Artesia News

The Yes Kid

Five days a week Octavio Meraz, a sophomore at Gahr High School, walks to A.J. Padelford Park and works for a couple of hours.

Meraz, a resident of North Artesia, wants to be an auto mechanic when he grows up. In fact, at 15 years old he can fix most auto problems, and has already fixed the cars of four people. Meraz also walks to A.J. Padelford Park

Meraz is also the city’s premier YES kid. YES, for Youth Employment Services, is part of Los Angeles County’s Regional Park and Open Space District’s program meant to give young teens in poor neighborhoods, or “at-risk youth”, a chance to do something besides gangs, drugs, etc.

Meraz said his time at the park is a good experience, and helps keep him away from crime. Meraz admitted he has felt pressure to be a part of the gang subculture, and has been asked to do things like sell drugs. Meraz has resisted this lure toward the criminal with something higher in mind, and that’s why he joined the YES program.

Meraz showed his enthusiasm about the program, saying, “It’s really cool, and helps keep youth from the streets.”

For more information about the YES program, call (213) 738-2981.