About the SHIFT Coalition of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno & Saratoga

Underage drinking is not a minor issue. It is everyone's issue.

Our perception of alcohol use by teens is an exaggeration of teen alcohol use. This misperception creates an environment around teens that plays a big part in the acceptability and feasibility of underage drinking. More on our youth’s behaviors and perceptions.

The SHIFT Coalition is about looking at the realities, and shifting the environment so that underage drinking is less acceptable and less feasible.

This coalition is not about outlawing alcohol. It is about safety and health. It is about reducing teen alcohol use by shifting attitudes, behaviors and, consequently, norms regarding underage drinking. A shift in the right direction is success.

Anyone who lives in, works in, has family members in, or is affected in some way by the communities of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga, is welcome to join the coalition.

The coalition is funded by the County Department of Alcohol and Drug Services for three years, through June 2009.

The SHIFT Approach

The SHIFT Coalition will work on two approaches of environmental change to reduce underage drinking.

#1 Social Norms Campaign
- Launching in December, 2006
- Perception vs. Reality

#2 Reducing Access to Alcohol Campaign
- Launching in March, 2007

SHIFT Coalition Steering Committee Members

Karla Albright - LGHS Parent, Parenting Continuum, LGH Health Committee
Margie Becker - Evaluation and Data Collection, Executive Committee
Joe Bosco - SHS Assistant Principal
Kim Burke - LGHS Parent
Alvaro Calderon - LGHS Assistant Principal
Georgia Clarke - Executive Director, Teen and Family Counseling Center
Courtney Crase - SHS Teacher and Health Facilitator
Elizabeth Dixon, LCSW - LGHS Parent, Continuum member
Kristi Grasty - LGHS Teacher and Health Facilitator
Steve Harris, MD - Pediatrician, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Connie Hayes - Dept of Alcohol and Drug Services
LD Hirschklau - Steering Committee Director, Executive Committee
Pam Hoffman - SHS Parent, Executive Committee
Janis Kanter - Community Volunteer
Mike Loya - The Venue
Ginger MacDonald - GTM Marketing, LG Morning Rotary
Tamara Misle - LGHS Parent
Kevin Mount - Director Ed. Services of LGSHSD
Donna Paisley - SHS Parent
Steve Rauwolf - Director, LGS Recreation
Marla Rodriguez - Student Services Director, LG Elementary School District
Brian Safine - SHS Guidance Counselor
Charlotte Sparacino - SHS Parent, Diversity Task Force
Laurie Terrat - Life Counselor, "Alive and Loving Life"
Vicki Thorburn - LGHS Parent, CASA
Terri Trotter - LGHS Parent, representing St. Mary's
Michele vanZuiden - LGHS Parent, LGSHSD Board of Trustees
Mike Wasserman - Town of Los Gatos
Lynne Woodward, MFT - United Methodist Church