HOLLYWOOD PAL KICKS OFF 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO YOUTH

Monday, June 7, 2021 in the lobby of the Historic Hollywood Pantages Theatre (6211 Hollywood Blvd.), Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell presented the Hollywood Police Activities League (Hollywood PAL) with a City of Los Angeles proclamation, acknowledging their 25 years of volunteer and officer-led youth programs that create a positive impact on Hollywood youth, law enforcement and our community.

The proclamation ceremony served as a kick-off for Hollywood PAL’s “Banner Year Campaign” driving positive community change while showcasing Hollywood PAL youth programs.  Street banners throughout Hollywood remind the community of what they do. The Police Activities League is a unique program that creates a bridge between the community and our police officers while creating opportunities for all youth to learn, grow and thrive.

Hollywood PAL Board Chair and Executive VP of Security and Risk Management at Paramount Studios, Roy Condon, provided opening remarks and introductions, including a few words to set the tone for the organization’s relevance and ultimate success.  “I’d like to say we have one foot firmly planted in the community and one food planted in the police department, with our goal to humanize both groups and break through any real or perceived barriers, especially important and relevant with today’s national dialogue.” – Roy Condon

Hollywood PAL Alumni, Jamecelle Ventura shared a few words about her experiences growing up a PAL kid and earning her blackbelt in Tai Kwon Do as well as how being a PAL Scholarship Program awardee helped immensely on her college career path.  A graduate of UCLA, she went on to receive her Masters in in Special Ed with a multiple subject teaching credential from LMU, and is now a full-time teacher for learning disabled youth in giving back to the community that supported her.

The new LAPD Hollywood Division Captain Brent McGuyre was introduced to local community leaders then Councilman Mitch O’Farrell went the podium to celebrate Hollywood PAL’s 25 years of service,  positive engagement with over 40,000 youth and families, 3000+ community volunteers, 2500+ businesses and organizations, and creating change throughout the entire community.  O’Farrell officially present the City of Los Angeles Proclamation to Executive Director, Kitty Gordillo.

After the ceremony and banner viewing, the 52 attendees retired to the private reception at Wood & Vine where other PAL restaurant partners, including Fabiolus Cucina, Food & Bounty and L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, shared the kitchen creating amazing signature appetizers and tasty morsels.