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Local artist Jesse Lagoa presents ‘Art Not Drugs’ mentorship program to council
Summary
Jesse Lagoa described his Art Not Drugs nonprofit, a six-week art-mentoring program for at‑risk youth that culminates in community murals; he asked the city for permission and support for projects such as painting electrical boxes and partnering with schools and community groups.
CANYON LAKE, Calif. — Artist and counselor Jesse Lagoa told the council Wednesday about Art Not Drugs, a new nonprofit that pairs art-mentoring with drug- and gang-prevention education for at-risk youth and culminates in community murals.
Lagoa described his six-week program structure — meeting youth where they are, creating art while addressing substance-abuse education and gang-prevention topics, and producing a finished mural to reinforce pride and ownership. He said the program relies on mentorship and community partnerships and requested city support for projects including painting electrical boxes and participating in city events.
Council members praised Lagoa’s work and asked how residents can help; Lagoa urged people to refer at-risk youth and to contact him for community projects.
Why it matters: The program targets youth prevention and community beautification; council members acknowledged the potential social and public-safety benefits of a mentorship-based, arts-centered approach.
