Straight Up documentary focuses on underage drinking

Straight Up Ventura County, a nonprofit organization focused on community change and reducing underage and binge drinking, has released a documentary, "Access and Excess," a 17-minute DVD that looks at underage and binge drinking in Ventura County.

The documentary examines factors in the community- attitudes and norms, access and availability, media messages and policies- that contribute to the behavior. Suggestions to help reduce inappropriate drinking are targeted to parents, youth and community members.

Chief Deputy Geoff Dean of Ventura County Sheriff's Department said, "Every parent in Ventura County would benefit from watching this with their kids and discussing the issue."

According to a spokesperson from Straight Up, the DVD presents the realities of underage and binge drinking in a visual way.

Technicolor Corporation in Camarillo donated the duplication of 1,000 copies of the DVD, making it free to schools, libraries, parent groups and community organizations throughout the county. Copies of the DVD will also be available as free rentals at Salzer's Video in Ventura.

To request a copy of the DVD or to have it presented to an organization, call (805) 6474622 or email katherine@straightupvc.org.

Straight Up is a project of Ventura County Limits and is made possible through funding from the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department Alcohol and Drug Prevention Division. For more information, visit the website www.straightupvc.org.