LAKE COUNTY — Team DUI is earning “star” recognition left and right. The team”s latest award was presented on May 28 in Sacramento by the County Alcohol & Drug Program Administrators Association of California (CADPAAC).
Team members Judy Thein and Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain attended the gala event held at the Hilton Hotel, where they were honored to receive the 2008 Superstars Award for Prevention on behalf of Team DUI.
“Chief Allan McClain and I were very honored and proud to accept this award for Team DUI,” said Thein, who founded the organization. “Our entire team is certainly superstars for the courageous dedication to helping make the community safer and healthier through education of the harmful affects of drinking and driving with a focus on underage drinking.
“We try to help our youth and adults understand the consequences of the decisions they make,” Thein continued. “Each member of the team fulfills a different role and the message we deliver is powerful when we work together.”
CADPAAC acts as a link to the state and its legislators in developing policies and identifying needs for Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS) programs throughout California. Agencies in all 58 counties are considered in the award selection process.
“We were selected along with Napa County,” Thein said. “It is my understanding that Lake County has never won this award, or any other (CADPAAC) award, throughout all these years. This is a first to put Lake County on the map!”
Team DUI was among a prestigious group of recipients that included doctors, lawyers, judges, state representatives and commissioners, Thein explained. “To think, Team DUI stood with the best of the highly ranked,” she said. “Once again, Team DUI received their star. What an honor for the team!”
This year is turning out to be a “star” year for Team DUI. In January, Thein was recognized for her efforts working with Team DUI to prevent underage drinking with Friday Night Live Partnership”s Super Star Adult Ally Award. In April, Team DUI was selected as Best Idea of the Year by the Lake County Stars selection committee.
“Each member of Team DUI is a super star and we will continue to shine as we worked to reduce the devastating consequences of DUI and underage drinking,” Thein said.
Team DUI consists of local political, governmental and law enforcement leaders as well as victims of DUI-related collisions. The team has been instrumental in implementing ordinances addressing underage alcohol consumption within the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport and, as of June 10, the County of Lake.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
