Redwood City Introduces Pilot Program To Connect With Youth On Bikes

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Redwood City's City Council has approved the Action, Create and Engage, or ACE, program to respond to community concerns regarding disruptive youth behavior in downtown Redwood City, city officials announced.

The Ace Program was approved by council Sept. 12 and is a community-based pilot initiative that aims to foster positive relationships between community leaders, law enforcement, and the Bike Life movement youth in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks, the city said.

"We want to ensure a safe and fun environment for all in our downtown, while also supporting healthy and positive activities for our youth," Redwood City's City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz said. "The ACE Program will support youth development and empowerment, while also ensuring accountability for unsafe behavior."

Stevenson Diaz said city officials are, "eager to get started."

According to a news release issued by the city, over 200 youth on bikes began gathering regularly in downtown Redwood City in May, with community members, property owners and businesses expressing concern about disruptive and unsafe behavior, including blocking sidewalks, interfering with traffic, property damage and use of illegal fireworks close to people.

City staff, the release said, "immediately began working on a multi-faceted strategy centered in the city’s priorities related to children and youth, public safety, economic vitality and ensuring a community for all."

Redwood City Together Executive Director Rafael Avendaño said the program will allow the community to come together and support those youths who gather in downtown Redwood City.

“As a collective front, we will be able to support more transition-age youth and their families by linking them to needed job opportunities and social services, especially in underrepresented and
underserved communities,” he said.

Ivan Martinez, Redwood City PAL Executive Director agreed with Avendaño's assessment of the program.
“The ACE program epitomizes our mission to nurture the next generation of leaders in our community through fostering positive relationships between community leaders and law enforcement,” he said.

Building on community input received through the city’s 2022 People's Budget and the Redwood City/North Fair Oaks 2019-2024 Community Collaboration for Children’s Success Action Plan, PAL, in partnership with other community organizations, will offer after-school programs, bike events, entertainment activities, coaching and mentorships and events for transition age youth in Redwood City and in North Fair Oaks, the city said.

The pilot program will also address youth crime, truancy and criminal disobedience throughout the community.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative granted the city $230,000 in support of youth programming and activities to support the program.

“The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is thrilled to partner with the City of Redwood City, Redwood City Together, and the Redwood City Police Activities League on the ACE program," Andrea Jones, director of Bay Area Giving, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, said. "We know that youth are our future and we are thankful to have the opportunity to support additional programming to advance productive solutions."

While The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant is enough to start the program, the city and its partners are seeking additional potential financial contributors to help fund the remaining balance of the pilot program which is estimated to cost the city $350,000. Those interested in donating should call the City Manager's Office at 650-780-7300.