10/02/2026
Yesterday, I was proud to present a proclamation recognizing September as National Recovery Month to the incredible STEPS teens from Sun Street Centers and Soledad High School.
This recognition is especially meaningful to me because I had the privilege of working alongside my friend and co-worker, Ruth Esteban, who created the Safe Teens Empowerment Program (STEPS) and the artwork that continues to be used today to spread this important message.
Our STEPS teens are creating powerful messages that show how substance use can impact an individual, a family, and an entire community. Our youth are not just our future, they are leaders today.
Prevention starts with all of us. It starts with a conversation, a listening ear, positive role models, and creating safe spaces where our young people feel supported and empowered to make healthy choices. As parents, educators, community leaders, and neighbors, we each have a role to play in preventing substance use and protecting the well-being of our youth.
Thank you to the Sunstreet Center team, Soledad High School staff, for your support and dedication to our youth and thank you to our incredible young people for using their voices and creativity to make a difference.
Let’s continue to talk, educate, support, and take action, because prevention is a community effort, and every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.
So proud of our Soledad youth!
