Kiki Camarena’s widow visits Desert Gardens School

EL CENTRO, Calif. – El Centro Desert Gardens Elementary students had a special visitor on Tuesday. School Principal Cecilia Heraz said Mrs. Geneva Mika Camarena, widow of U.S. DEA Agent Enrique Kiki Camarena, went to talk to the students about the dangers of drugs and about her late husband Enrique Kiki Camarena. “We actually had Kiki Camarena’s wife come here and talk to our students,” Heraz said.

Heraz said it’s part of Red Ribbon Week. “Red Ribbon Week is all about staying healthy, safe and drug free,” Heraz said.

Enrique Kiki Camarena was a Drug Enforcement Agent murdered in Mexico in 1985 for his role in the fight against drugs, according to U.S. authorities. Mrs. Camarena said she tells her husband’s story to inspire others to be drug free. “It’s overwhelming to have to repeat the story all over again. But the youth, the children, it’s all worth it. It’s all worth it. They need to know the dangers of drugs. They need to be aware,” Mrs. Camarena said.

Mrs. Camarena talks to thousands of kids throughout the year. “Just got back from a week in Texas. In March I went to lake, Utah. Next month I go to Costa Rica,” Mrs. Camarena said. She said talking to kids about drugs is necessary. “The more we repeat over and over and over that drugs are not good for you then the better,” Mrs. Camarena said.

School reading coach Lori Obeso said Mrs. Camarena’s visit helped students understand the history behind Red Ribbon Week. “A lot of our students didn’t know it originated in Calexico, which is in our own neighborhood. And so it was just amazing to bring this to them and let them see the true history of it,” Obeso said.