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# Santa Monica Youth center is mission, not a site
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-youth-center-is-mission-not-a-site-editor/
- Published: 2007-06-20T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T01:13:40.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pico, #archive-import

(Re: “Getting the boot,” June 15) I want to thank the SMDP for informing the community of the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) and its need for assistance in finding a new home. As the story was printed, another shooting rocked the Pico Neighborhood. The PYFC is committed to addressing the root cause of youth violence through a strategy that employs prevention, intervention and community building. Since opening our doors in 2002, the PYFC has developed prevention and intervention strategies and, I can honestly say, we have saved lives.

Youth violence is a complex social problem that affects us all. Since 1989, more than 38 Santa Monica youth have been murdered on our streets. The pain that youth violence imparts on families is tragic and permanent. We can no longer afford to see this as a people of color problem or a problem exclusive to the Pico Neighborhood. This sentiment was made clear in the two city sponsored town hall meetings on gang violence prevention in 2005.

One thing is clear: Youth violence exists where hopelessness and despair run rampant. Youth who are struggling through poverty, single-parent families, addiction, family conflicts, early incarceration and low academic achievement are all high-risk candidates for destructive behavior. Yes, it all starts in the home, but we cannot ignore the fact that it ends in the streets.

The PYFC was born when we organized a 1,000-person Vigil for Peace in 1998 when, in two weeks, four were killed and five were shot. Despite our recent struggle to find a new home, we will move forward and will continue to serve as a safe place for youth who seek support, knowledge of self and a place where they can practice the principles of our motto — peace, unity and social justice.

We are seeking donations in this time of need. Please visit us at: www.picoyouth.org.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 20, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/062007.pdf?ref=smdp.com)