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Kids find fun with Police PALs

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Contributed by: James Ellias on 7/3/2007

During the during the school year and summer, the Oxnard Police Departments gives kids a way to keep occupied in various school and sport related activities. Younger kids are given a chance to play sports, bounce on the jolly jump, or whiz on the water slide while adolescents are given a chance to sharpen their sports skills in the Police Activities League.
The Oxnard Police Department runs several programs to generate youth interest and to promote education and healthy activities. The Police Activities League (PAL) and the Oxnard Police Explorers give kids a chance to participate in a wide range of different activities, including volleyball, basketball, dancing, flag football, chess, and many more. Despite the aged facilities of the old Oxnard High School used by PAL, the kids and mentors continue a very optimistic, energetic learning experience.
"Our average daily attendance is about 165 kids, but there was one dance where 850 kids showed up," said Terrel Harrison, co-director of the Oxnard Police Activities League, as well as the president of California PAL.
During "play days" kids are given a host of different activities, including sports, and various other activities.
"We hang out and have fun, before we didn't play with other kids a lot, when we come here, we can," said PAL participant Robert Reyes.
"We're working with inner city kids, its not like the Boys and Girls Club, everything is free, we just thought we would work with the kids...personally, I love kids, any job you look forward to coming too, that's the job you need," said Andrew Gibbs, a PAL mentor.
Even kids interested in the film industry, aspiring directors are given a chance to develop their interests though PAL. Kids are taught how to use film edition software and camera equipment, using their skills to make anti-graffiti ads and other public service announcements.
"The chess club I started for the kids who aren't into sports, if you ask me, kids should at least learn how to play the game to exercise their brains. I've got some kids that are ready to play at an advanced level," said Kingsley Garrick, a former PAL kid and current mentor.
The Police Activities League is also deeply involved in amature boxing tournaments. Though the police department, kids can train and develop in their boxing skills.
"I get kids from various situations...some are in a little bit of trouble. Boxing gives them an outlet. They feel as though they are a part of something," said Harrison.
Working with the La Colonia Boxing Club, Oxnard PAL has produced national champions such as Fernando Vargas, Michael Garcia, and David Rodilla. Because Oxnard is home to many boxing devotees, 250 to 300 people show up to Oxnard PAL tournaments to see some of the up and coming boxers that come out of Oxnard. PAL's boxing association looks forward to coming renovations to the high school's gym.
The old Oxnard High School will play host to the California state PAL boxing tournament Aug. 10 through 12. Those victorious in this tournament will go on to the national tournament, which for many older boxers can lead to the big leagues, or even the Olympics.
"We want to get more kids involved with boxing. We have a program where we send some kids to England to expose them to a whole new world, giving that experience to some of the guys who won't go pro," said Harrison.
PAL kids often move on to volunteer for the program, helping to care for their younger comrades.
"We help the kids, serve them lunch, we go on trips and raise money for the youth...I've been coming here since sixth grade," said Kuliah Graddock, a PAL kid turned volunteer mentor.
"I needed volunteer hours, and its really fun, PAL keeps the kids off the streets. They have time to do their homework and they have a lot of good role models," said volunteer Jasmine Ghrahes.
For more information about the Police Activities League, or to enroll a child or volunteer, call 385-8230.

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