We regret that we have had to postpone the October Forum with speaker, TJ Leyden. Plans are being made to present this forum early in 2009. More information to come.

In addition to his excellent credentials with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, with the FBI and many law enforcement entities, we had obtained personal reports from two Northern California school districts who highly recommended TJ Leyden and praised his inspiring presentation and the impact it had on their high school students.

After weeks of communications and coordination with all parties, our plan to sponsor assembly programs for our high school students at Ridgeview and Paradise High School, and to present an evening community forum for the general public, was in place. Police Chief Carrigan had also arranged for his Gang Taskforce officer to attend the community forum.

Then to our dismay and disappointment, the Paradise Unified School District reversed their original commitment, choosing to do a classroom-based program instead. Since the school assemblies were the cornerstone to the program, alternate plans could not be finalized in time.

This experience has not diminished PCTN’s keen interest in the value of TJ Leyden’s story and the potential for touching our students and informing our community. The White Power movement is active on the Ridge. There is general acknowledgement of this by school officials and both the Paradise Police Department and the Sheriff’s Deputies.

We believe bringing this topic into the public light is important for the whole community, especially our youth. So look for this Community Forum in 2009. We will keep you informed.