`PEACE' AT HAND NBC SPECIAL DISCUSSES WAYS TO STOP VIOLENCE AMONG YOUTH.

Byline: Valerie Kuklenski Staff Writer

When the anniversary of the Columbine High shooting came last month, there were many TV reports recounting the events of that tragic day, other reports asking experts who was to blame, and still others talking about the emotional scars it left on the survivors and the families of the dead.

Many TV viewers complained that giving the anniversary so much attention would rub salt in the wounds of the community of Littleton, Colo., while others feared such programs would incite copycat crimes.

Channel 4 News community reporter Bonnie Boswell brings up Columbine again in a TV special tonight, not to rehash it or to give where-are- they-now updates on the wounded, but as a brief introduction into a far more uplifting story on youth violence.

``Seeds of Peace,'' co-hosted by Boswell and ``Providence'' star Mike Farrell, takes the spotlight off notorious young criminals like Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris and shines it instead on celebrated and lesser- known individuals who are dedicated to violence prevention.

In one segment, actress Alfre Woodard, founder of Artists for a New South Africa, talks with Peter and Linda Biehl, parents of Newport Beach student Amy Biehl, who was beaten to death by an angry mob during an uprising in South Africa. The Biehls are surprisingly accepting of their daughter's loss and have dedicated themselves to working with South Africans on violence intervention. Through the Amy Biehl Foundation, her parents helped one of her accused killers establish a youth center there in Amy's name.

Farrell interviews one of his best friends, Dr. Hunter ``Patch'' Adams, the wacky physician played by Robin Williams in the 1998 movie that Farrell produced. This one-of-a-kind doc speaks across the country and goes on international missions to advocate using humor and affection to diffuse tension and violence.

The Rev. James Lawson sits down with actor Martin Sheen of ``The West Wing,'' himself an ardent human rights activist, to address parents' powerful influence over their children's values and behavior, for good or bad. News anchor Colleen Williams shows the Hollywood dance academy founded by sisters Jasmine and Monica Guy aimed at building girls' sense of self-worth and giving them a healthy alternative to crime.

And Boswell profiles Sister Janet Harris' writing program at Juvenile Hall, in which professional writers encourage young offenders to use prose and poetry to get to the root of their problems and look toward a better future.

``There is so much attention paid to the negative side that we wanted to show that there were a great number of people doing positive things, things that are socially beneficial that for whatever reason don't get the attention,'' Farrell said. ``We need to know, understand and take heart from that.''

Boswell, who produced and co-wrote the special, wants adult viewers to see themselves as instruments of change, whether it's at home and work or through a broader effort.

``It's about taking responsibility as adults. What I heard too much of was a sense of 'What's wrong with the kids,''' she said. ``I don't think you can take kids away from parents or adults, that kids are reflective of something much deeper in society.

``So much of the conversation was what somebody else should do - they should do this, they should do that,'' Boswell said. ``But really I wanted people to come away with the feeling, `What can I do?' ''

Boswell chose her subjects from a wide array of people she has met or heard of as NBC4's community reporter. ``These were people that, through my friendships, I knew had stories to tell, and could tell them from different angles in a way that's really poignant and different and interesting.

``Patch Adams has a whole different kind of approach than the Biehls do or that (Juvenile Hall writing mentor) Dwayne Noriyuki does, but what ties them together is their passion initiated from different places. There are a lot of stories out there. I think that's the good news. There are lots of people all across the country who are doing incredible things.''

The program was heartily endorsed by NBC4 general manager Ray Heacox, who gave it a plum time slot after the Lakers' playoff game and leading into prime time. Boswell said if it is well-received by viewers and advertisers, it is possible she will make more specials in this vein.

And that's more good news.

The facts

--The show: ``Seeds of Peace.''

--What: Channel 4 News special about individuals working to stem youth violence.

--The stars: Bonnie Boswell, Mike Farrell.

--Where: KNBC-TV.

--When: 6 p.m. today.

CAPTION(S):

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Photo: Bonnie Boswell and Mike Farrell host the youth violence special ``Seeds of Peace'' tonight.