"EATERY STRIKES CHORD(S) WITH NEW VOTERS" Los Angeles Daily News, September 10, 2000 Lancaster, CA - Local bands rocked the house at Schooners restaurant while diligent citizens encouraged young people to register to vote at the "Youth Activism/Voter registration concert." The event, organized by Kristien Amer, was to encourage those in the 18-24 age group to register and vote in the November election. "Many youths have concerns about issues facing them and others in the community, but they are frustrated trying to get things going in their community" Kristien Amer said. Natalie Torres, 19 said she registered to vote at the event because she wants to make a difference in the country. "I don't want anyone going into office who isn't fit" she said. Torres admitted she didn't register to vote when she was 18, but said she didn't really know why. "When Kristien Amer approached Schooners about hosting the event, the restaurant/nightclub thought it was a great way to do something for the youth in the community, Schooners General Manager Marshall Garrison said." Schooners hosts an 18 and over club during the week, and Garrison said he got a lot of positive response from his young customers about the voter registration concert ... The event featured seven local rock bands as well as numerous speakers and organizations. The bands included Zero Box, The Bomb Squad, Custom Deluxe, A Pocket Sized Room, Red Letter, Courtesy Flush, and the Dead Rats! Jose Carrero, 20, had already registered to vote but changed his political party from Republican to Democrat on Saturday because he said he doesn't have any confidence in George W. Bush and believes the economy is booming now due to Vice President Al Gore's work with President Bill Clinton. Sal Chavez, Los Angeles Valley Press Writer

"ACTIVIST, BANDS WORK TO SEND YOUNG VOTERS TO POLLS" Los Angeles Valley Press, September 8, 2000 Lancaster, CA - Quartz Hill resident Kristien Amer is hoping to get  young adults interested and excited about going to the polls in November. To do this, Kristien Amer and Schooners Restaurant in Lancaster are sponsoring a voter registration event - a program designed to get young people to register to vote and become politically active in their communities. The event kicks off from 2pm to 8pm Saturday, September 9th at Schooners. Kristien Amer, 29, who is the event organizer, artist, and youth activist, said the event is targeting young people of the Antelope Valley ages 18-24. "The time youth really find themselves and do most of their growing up is between these years" she said. "But, its a neglected age group in many area's, including the Antelope Valley. Many youths have concerns and issues facing them and others in the community, but they are frustrated trying to make change." Saturday's event features seven local bands and organizations. The bands performing are Zero Box, The Bomb Squad, Custom Deluxe, A Pocket Sized Room, Red Letter, Courtesy Flush, and the Dead Rats. PSA films shown between bands will encourage youth activism and voting. "We're giving young people something fun and exciting, and we're educating them, we want to get their attention"  Kristien Amer said. "There are so many things that youth can do right now. We want to show them that if they want change, there are things they can do to get it. Change is possible." Speakers at the event include filmmaker and activist Peter Byck, speaking on "why the youth vote matters" and Dana Rebeiro from "International Concerned Friends and Family of Mumia Abu-Jamal" speaking about the international fight for a new trial for death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal." Organizations that confirmed their participation in the event include the AV Republican League, Democratic Club of AV, Green Party, Lancaster Community Homeless Shelter, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood, The Center for Education Reform, Do Something, The Educational Fund to end Handgun Violence and more. Admission is $4 at the door. Rich Breault, Los Angeles Valley Press Senior Writer