Club to serve as school for troubled youth Club to serve as school for troubled youth (July 27, 2005)

The Community School South -- a high school operated by San Mateo County for county teens who run afoul of the juvenile justice system -- will move in September to the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula in East Palo Alto.

The club doesn't normally open until 3 p.m., but the school needed a new home and the unused space seemed like a good fit, said club spokesman Chris Canter.

While at the club, the students will be able to avail themselves of a significant benefit: when the school day ends, they can attend after-school programs in arts, technology and athletics.

Although Community School students tend to have behavioral issues, with the club's strong reputation as a refuge -- it is notable for its lack of graffiti -- and with a well-trained and experienced staff, Mr. Canter said he doesn't anticipate problems.

"These kids need a place to go," he said. "We don't have problems here. We may have all hell breaking loose in the community, but we don't have problems here."

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