OCEANSIDE — The North Coastal Prevention Coalition aimed to give the term “4/20” a clean new meaning by hosting the annual 4/20 Remix on April 20.

One theory about the origins of the expression 4/20 is it was used as code between high school students to signal what time to meet to smoke marijuana. The expression has evolved to a movement promoting marijuana use, which includes celebrating the drug annually on April 20.

This year’s Remix featured an afternoon battle of the bands, a rock-climbing wall, information booths and drug-free fun. The goal of the annual event is to reclaim the day to celebrate sober and drug-free life choices, said Aaron Byzak of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition. The party promotes prevention through information and supports those who have stopped using drugs.

“This is great, especially a sober event, with no drugs,” said Kathy McNernoy, a mother of three from Escondido.

“It’s really good helping people recover from smoking and marijuana,” said 10-year-old Marshall Sowko of Ramona. “Addiction is not a good state.”

The message of celebrating a drug-free lifestyle is supported by many, but faces off with idealized images of drug use portrayed on radio, TV and movies. “Radio stations perpetuate the message that 4/20 is a marijuana-smoking holiday,” Byzak said. “It’s a really negative thing.”

Through the efforts of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition, stations like Radio Sophie 103.7 are taking a stand and not promoting marijuana use April 20, or any day, Byzak said. Cities and businesses are also stepping up to sign a proclamation announcing April 20 as a drug-free day.

“If you can stay away from drugs, you have a foundation to build your life,” Byzak said.

“Being a teenager is hard enough.”

Oceanside police Lt. Leonard Mata, a North Coastal Prevention Coalition board member, has seen the negative effects of drug use during his 25 years on the force. “It affects people, families, the community,” Mata said. “Unfortunately, some people make the wrong choices when they are young that affect the rest of their life.”

The North Coastal Prevention Coalition works year-round to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and tobacco use through educational events and seeking public policy changes, Byzak said.