As a member of the community, co-president of the board of the Outhouse: A Place for Teens and a member of the Los Gatos­Monte Sereno Police Department's Drug Free Community Committee, I speak on behalf of my constituents and offer our thoughts on how we might all respond to these common issues.

There have been parties since Thanksgiving and there will be parties around New Year's and throughout the year. It is important that we keep this discussion alive and remind ourselves that we can influence behavior. Even this upcoming weekend, the Los Gatos community can work together to protect its youth.

Teens in our community drink alcohol, and as judged from a recent survey in the high school, drink at a rate twice the state average. We know that this occurs and has occurred for many years in our community. That it occurs at such a rate needs to get our attention and cause us to ask what is different in our community and what can we do to reduce teen drinking. In the next few weeks, there will be an opportunity for a larger community discussion specifically on this topic. That conversation will, and must, include teens.

The emotions surrounding this topic are continuing to evolve. Last week's editorial and letters correctly pointed out that this is not a time to blame. Many professional and experienced voices have noted, however, that when parents are less involved in their children's activities or condone or even facilitate teen drinking, tragic outcomes are more likely.

This is a community highly supportive of its teens. The greatest percentage of our teens are engaged in healthy, successful activities. Many parents are engaged and involved in their children's lives. And many parents can do much more to ensure that their children are given the help and support that will allow them to grow into healthy adults.

The active role of parents in teens' lives is critical. Teens push the limits—we know that. This is a tension that will always exist. But it is appropriate for parents to be involved and engaged in their teen's lives and to set appropriate limits.

Past community activities and programs have had a valuable effect. Teens have asked that these programs and others continue and be enhanced. But programs and activities alone will not change behavior. The Los Gatos community is unique among many in that it cares so deeply and consistently for its youth. Our community absolutely has the resources to impact youth drinking and to increase parental involvement and responsibility—the one area that could have the greatest effect.

The community is a partner with parents. The resources listed below are only some of those available to any parent who desires to be more involved with their children. One important first step that parents might consider for this weekend and upcoming weekends is, if you are going away, tell a neighbor if your teen will be at home alone. Have your teen stay with a trusted friend. Or call the school, or let the police department know. Engage someone else as a partner. Such an action can help ensure that teens will be less inclined to engage in overly dangerous behavior. Taking personal interest in the whereabouts and activities of your children is what parents are supposed to do.

Every parent in this community can look out for the welfare of young adults, either their own children or someone else's. Many of our school administrators and teachers are parents, as are our police officers, community volunteers and business owners. We all have our youth's interest at heart and care about their future. At the beginning of the new year, I invite you to join us through your individual and community action to bring about the changes that this community deserves.

Some local organizations committed to our youth and families include the following.

* Contact Care Family Crisis (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), 408.279.8228

* Teen Crisis, 800.736.9805

* Parent Education Center (YMCA), 408.295.4011, ext. 214

* Suicide prevention, 408.279.3312

* Teen and Family Counseling Center, 408.354.7648

* Teen Hotline (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), 408.247.7717

* Warm line (someone for kids to talk to, 24 hours), 408.279.0303

* Los Gatos Police (EMERGENCY 911), 408.354.8600

* CASA (additional resources and connections), 408.358.2004

* A Place for Teens (noon to 6 p.m.), 408.395.5553

Wishing our town a safe and wonderful New Year!

Lee Fagot is co-president of the board of the Outhouse: A Place for Teens and a member of the Los Gatos­Monte Sereno Police Department's Drug Free Community Committee.