PAL-ing Around: Kids and Cops are Friends

A ropes course in the redwoods, a Warriors game, girls self-defense lessons, art classes, bike safety—these activities and more are what the Watsonville Police Activities League has involved local kids in during the past year.

About 400 Watsonville youth take part in PAL each year. The program runs a gym at 130 Rodriguez St. where most afternoons you can find kids practicing martial arts. There are soccer and softball programs, field trips, the Police Cadets program and talk of adding more activities.

PAL gets is supported by grants, fundraising and city police officers, some of whom donate time to mentor the Police Cadets or teach classes, like jui jitsu. Learn more at http://www.watsonvillepal.org.

Disclaimer: Watsonville Patch Editor Jennifer Squires is a member of the Watsonville PAL Board of Directors.