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I recently had a chance to interview Tyrone Stevenson Jr., aka the "Scraperbike King.'' He and his crew of young men ages 11-24 are participating in the Bike for Life, Riding for Peace event at Lake Merritt on Sunday 7/13.

Stevenson, 19, is the founder of the scraperbike movement and says the bikes are “art on wheels,’’ and a vehicle to promote peace. Scraperbike riders typically ride in large packs similar to motorcycle clubs. Stevenson’s Scaperbike group gained popularity through their video which was nominated as one of YouTube’s Top 20 Best Music Video’s of 2007.

The ride organized by Bikes for Life organization is aimed at educating young people around the importance of bringing a gun truce to their communities. So, far this year Oakland has seen 71 homicides compared to 59 at this time last year.

“There’s a lot of people dying from gun violence,’’ said Stevenson. “Scraperbikes gives kids a positive outlet and fixing or riding bikes can be a hobby .’’

For more information about Bike for Life Riding for Peace, call 510-238-8080 ext. 310 or visit www.scraperbikes.net

By Kamika Dunlap -- Oakland Tribune

Tyrone Stevenson Jr. "Scraperbike King": Preston Badger, 18, left, Tyrone Stevenson Jr., 19, Fred Rogers, 18, Eduardo Ochoa, 17, and Luis Medrano, 19, ride their scraperbikes on Santa Rita Street in Oakland.The teenagers will take part in Bike for Life, Riding for Peace event around Lake Merritt

I just wanted to post a quick update from the teen prostitution series in the Oakland Tribune. Assembly bill 499, which would identify minors caught in the sex trade as victims, rather than criminals has reached Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk to be signed into law.

The Governor has until Sept. 30 to sign the bill into law, otherwise it will automatically become law. The law would free children under 18 from the threat of prosecution and enable them to receive the services they need.

Currently, if a minor younger than 18 is picked up for prostitution, she is charged as a criminal and sent to juvenile hall.

However, social service workers and law enforcement agencies are hoping a new law would change. The law also would help girls who want to bring charges against a pimp.

"This legislation takes Oakland one step closer toward combating one of the most serious epidemics threatening our youth -- the sale of children for sex," said Sharmin Eshraghi Bock, assistant district attorney in charge of the county's human exploitation and tracking unit.

Sharmin Bock DA: Sharmin Bock is an assistant District Attorney at Alameda County Superior Court House who is trying to turn around how law enforcement goes after prostitution by prosecuting pimps instead of the girls. Bock is constantly on her Blackberry. She is working
AB499's provisions include:

While I was out reporting on the Silence the Violence event, I met Deelah a young female performing arts activists who told me about the first Tupac summer camp being held Oakland. I was so excited to hear about it especially because I love Tupac's music (California Love is one of my favorite songs) and I also was curious to learn about what kinds of activities went on at the camp.

The Leadership & Arts Camp was held at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in East Oakland. A first time camp was also held in Los Angeles. The camp was expanded to the West Coast in honor of Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation's 10th anniversary.

About 20 youth participated in the camp and produced dancing, musical and spoken word projects that they showcased to the public. The goal of the camp was to provide training and support for youths 12 to 18 who aspire to enhance their creative talents. In addition, the importance of literacy, responsibility and conflict resolution were stressed to the young people who participated.

Tupac's Performing Arts Camp: From left, Jamani Williams, 12, Robert Tillman, 16, and Garrett Cole, 18, practice and rehearse skits that they wrote at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation's Performing Arts Day Camp at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, June 27
Tupac's mother Afeni Shakur came to the camp in Oakland on the opening day, June 16, which is also Tupac's birthday. Although I was unable to meet her in person she did reach out and passed an email along to me sharing some of her thoughts about having the camp in Oakland.

Kamika Dunlap -- Oakland Tribune

See below:

Oakland- We did it! My son always had a dream to help young people around the Country with Arts Camps or 'Thug Mansions' as he called them. He envisioned a safe space where students could express themselves, learn & share ideas, and their families could receive encouragement and support. At each location, artists and instructors from the community would mentor students and help them to fully develop into their God given potential. Well, I am pleased to say that with God's direction we have achieved just that. This is our first Camp outside of Georgia and because of you it has been a success. Thank you to each student, instructor, volunteers, coordinators, and to the families for sharing your loved one with us! This is the first of more work by the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation in the Bay Area. Tupac loved Oakland and you loved him back! His legacy continues to soar and impact people all over the world because of you. KMEL and all others who helped us get the word out we thank you for your years of support, love, tears, and energy.

I want to challenge you all to keep yourselves alive. Save a young person.
Speak out when you know someone is being harmed in any kind way. Secrets kill and are harmful to others. Oakland we can and we will do better. It starts with each and everyone of us!

Peace, Love, & Respect!

Afeni Shakur-Davis

Tupac's Performing Arts Camp: (From left) Andre'ana Davis, 16, Jerome Clary, 17, and Amanda Ashe, 14, practice and rehearse their song called "Family Tree," which they learned at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation's Performing Arts Day Camp at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in Oakland,