Paul sits down with Dr. Marie Pinto, CEO of Pro Youth, to explore how the after-school program has evolved from its 1994 origins as a gang violence prevention initiative to become a comprehensive support system serving 24,000 students across 12 districts in two counties. Dr. Pinto shares how Pro Youth adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by transforming churches into all-day learning centers for essential workers' children, maintaining both academic progress and social connection during an unprecedented crisis. The conversation delves into how Pro Youth approaches technology use, maintaining strict policies against personal devices while incorporating educational tech tools intentionally. They discuss the changing nature of modern families, where dual-income households have become the norm, and how after-school programs fill a crucial gap between school dismissal and parents' work schedules. Dr. Pinto offers insights into how Pro Youth builds productive citizens through intentional programming while supporting working families. The discussion touches on deeper questions about community safety, social development, and how the very need for comprehensive after-school care reflects broader changes in society. Through it all, Pro Youth maintains its focus on providing not just supervision, but meaningful enrichment during those crucial after-school hours.

Paul sits down with Dr. Marie Pinto, CEO of Pro Youth, to explore how the after-school program has evolved from its 1994 origins as a gang violence prevention initiative to become a comprehensive support system serving 24,000 students across 12 districts in two counties. Dr. Pinto shares how Pro Youth adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by transforming churches into all-day learning centers for essential workers' children, maintaining both academic progress and social connection during an unprecedented crisis. The conversation delves into how Pro Youth approaches technology use, maintaining strict policies against personal devices while incorporating educational tech tools intentionally. They discuss the changing nature of modern families, where dual-income households have become the norm, and how after-school programs fill a crucial gap between school dismissal and parents' work schedules. Dr. Pinto offers insights into how Pro Youth builds productive citizens through intentional programming while supporting working families. The discussion touches on deeper questions about community safety, social development, and how the very need for comprehensive after-school care reflects broader changes in society. Through it all, Pro Youth maintains its focus on providing not just supervision, but meaningful enrichment during those crucial after-school hours.

Going pro after school | Dr. Marie Pinto

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Paul Myers and Ryan Clark dive into the Tulare County Board of Supervisors' recent unanimous endorsement of Proposition 36. The hosts explore how this reform measure aims to strengthen drug and theft penalties while emphasizing rehabilitation in California. The conversation covers the key differences between Prop 36 and its predecessor Prop 47, discussing how the new legislation would create a "treatment mandated felonies" category and implement a three-strikes approach to drug possession. They examine District Attorney Tim Ward's perspective on why these changes are necessary and debate the balance between accountability and compassion in addressing drug-related crimes. Paul and Ryan also tackle the broader implications of drug policy reform, from its impact on public safety to its connection with homelessness and mental health services. The discussion provides valuable context for voters considering Prop 36 on this year's ballot. Check out the [full article in the Sun-Gazette](https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2024/10/29/county-supervisors-back-prop-36-reform/) for more details on the Board of Supervisors' decision and the specifics of Proposition 36. Don't forget to subscribe to the Paper Trail Podcast and follow us on social media for more local news coverage and analysis.

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Paul Myers and Ryan Clark dive into the Tulare County Board of Supervisors' recent unanimous endorsement of Proposition 36. The hosts explore how this reform measure aims to strengthen drug and theft penalties while emphasizing rehabilitation in California. The conversation covers the key differences between Prop 36 and its predecessor Prop 47, discussing how the new legislation would create a "treatment mandated felonies" category and implement a three-strikes approach to drug possession. They examine District Attorney Tim Ward's perspective on why these changes are necessary and debate the balance between accountability and compassion in addressing drug-related crimes. Paul and Ryan also tackle the broader implications of drug policy reform, from its impact on public safety to its connection with homelessness and mental health services. The discussion provides valuable context for voters considering Prop 36 on this year's ballot. Check out the [full article in the Sun-Gazette](https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2024/10/29/county-supervisors-back-prop-36-reform/) for more details on the Board of Supervisors' decision and the specifics of Proposition 36. Don't forget to subscribe to the Paper Trail Podcast and follow us on social media for more local news coverage and analysis.

PT 512 | Do the hard work of rehab

Paul and Reggie talk about the long running shutdown, Visalia’s move to sell off their trolleys, Tulare County’s solution toward…

PT 120: “Christmas Night Fire”

Maggie Messitt, Director of Report for America joins the pod this week. Announced on Thursday, the Sun-Gazette newsroom was selected…

PT 119: “It’s far too easy for things to go unknown”

Paul and Reggie sit down and talk about the Visalia public reaction to the possibility of a Black Lives Matter…

PT 262: “I’ll be police queen”

Paul and Reggie bring on executive director of the California Ag Labor Association (CALA), and mayor of Woodlake, Rudy Mendoza…

PT 261: “But did you die?”

Paul and Reggie talk about the recent decision to change the Tulare County Fair in light of COVID-19 and what…

PT 260: “I’d pay for that!”

Paul and Reggie talk with Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency director, Tim Lutz about why we’ve had an…

PT 259: “Black SWAT units, that’s what they’re wearing”

Paul and Reggie talk about Governor Gavin Newsom’s order for distance learning for schools in counties on the state’s monitoring…

PT 258: “Have a good day, and try not to kill people.”

Paul and Reggie talk about the state’s new orders to “dim down” reopening in California, putting in restrictions for more…

PT 256: “We’re dimming down today”

Paul and Reggie invite Tulare County District Attorney, Tim Ward and deputy district attorney, David Alavezos to talk about the…

PT 255: “Say my name! Say my name!”

Paul and Reggie talk about the county’s recent public health order to close all bars and indoor dining, the parent…

PT 254: “CONSTITUTION!”

Paul and Reggie discuss Visalia Unified’s decision to remove Black Lives Matter posters off Akers in light of a student,…

PT 253: “The only people who lost here are the kids”

Paul and Reggie invite College of the Sequoias’ history professor Stephen Tootle on the podcast to talk about the history…

PT 252: “Uh…I’d say there’s evidence.”

The Paper Trail Podcast is hosted in the heart of California's San Joaquin Central Valley. Hosts Paul Myers and Ryan Clark breakdown local issues in Fresno and Tulare Counties on a weekly basis to give their uniquely journalistic perspective on the pressing topics of the day.

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