SGV events targeted at keeping kids out of trouble

Two upcoming events in the San Gabriel Valley this month are geared toward giving kids positive messages and activities to help keep them from ending up, well, mentioned on this crime blog. The Man-e Moreno Foundation is teaming up with two new filmmakers to premiere a short movie about methamphetamine addiction to youths in El Monte Saturday, and the Asian Pacific Family Center has an upcoming San Gabriel Valley Youth Summit on Feb. 25 in Rosemead:

EL MONTE -- A local nonprofit organization and Edwards El Monte 8 Theater is hosting the free premiere Saturday of a short film addressing methamphetamine abuse.

Two longtime friends created the 47-minute film, "Crave," in response to the devastation they have witnessed caused by methamphetamine growing up in the La Puente area, 33-year-old filmmaker and actor Ramon Esquivel said.

He created the film with Jimi Gonzales, 34, through their new company, "Live Life Productions." Neither has previous filmmaking experience.

Though the film addresses a societal problem, Esquivel said, the goal of the film is to provide an inspirational message: "There is hope.You don't have to find yourself alone."

The film will be shown twice at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Edwards El Monte 8 theater, 10661 Valley Boulevard, said event organizer and president of the San Gabriel Valley-based Man-e Moreno Foundation, Robert Moreno. Guests are advised to arrive early.

The movie is designed for middle school aged children and older, and their parents are encouraged to view it with them, Moreno said.

Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, Esquivel said he watched as friends and family members became victims of their own methamphetamine addictions.

He said he teamed up with Gonzales, and the two decided, "We're both creative, let's write a short film. Let's do something."

Friends in the movie business donated time and equipment to help with the project, and theater time for the premier is being donated by Edwards El Monte 8.

The film stars Esquivel, Vanessa Barajas and Gabriel Gonzalez.

The premiere is sponsored by the El Monte Police Department and the City of South El Monte. City officials from El Monte, South El Monte, Duarte, El Monte PD and others are expected to attend, along with special guests and sports celebrities.

"We want to serve as a bridge between kids and law enforcement, local and state officials," Moreno said.

"If we're not active, other people will be active that will take our kids away from reaching their purpose," he said.

Following Wednesday's premier, Live Life Productions and the Man-e Moreno Foundation plan to host additional, yet-to-be scheduled community showings of the film.

ROSEMEAD -- The Asian Pacific Family Center is hosting it's second San Gabriel Valley Youth Summit later this month.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 at Garvey School, 2720 Jackson Street, organizers said in a written statement. It's targeted at kids in grades six through 12.

Last year, hundreds of youths from all over the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County attended to participate in workshops, watch presentations and shows and meet with other local youths.

The event will feature a lineup of more than 30 speakers, classes, activities and workshops designed to build stronger communities and help young people make healthy decisions for mind, body and soul.

Participants are also encourages to speak up and start conversations about issues that concern them, organizers said.

The free event includes music and raffle prized and a free lunch. The first 200 registrants will receive a free T-shirt.

A host of community organizations are contributing to the day-long event.

For more information, the Asian Pacific Family Center can be reached at 626-287-2988. The event can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sgvyouthsummit.