The Santa Barbara Police Activities League (PAL) Board of Directors has named Judith Lugo as its new executive director. Lugo has worked for PAL for 13 years. She started in a part-time clerical job and has worked in every position within PAL, most recently as program director.
“As the current board president, and founder of PAL, I want to recognize Judith as the heart and soul of the organization,” said Kent Wojciechoski. “During the last two years, many of our community youth have struggled, and Judith has been their lifeline. Thank you, Judith for making the Santa Barbara community a better place and giving so many youth a chance at becoming leaders.”
“I was 19 years old when I was first introduced to PAL,” Lugo said. “Like many of the youth we serve, I had only interacted with police officers in negative situations and had many preconceived notions about them. After meeting Officer Gutierrez and becoming involved in PAL, I began to have a new outlook.
“In the years since, I have seen how impactful PAL is in the lives of the youth that walk through the doors of the Teen Center each afternoon. I believe that PAL is a true example of community policing, and embodies what people hope to see from interactions between youth and the police. I am honored to continue to do this work for the Santa Barbara community.”
The Santa Barbara Police Activities League strives to build the bridge between cops, kids and the community through educational, athletic and leadership enrichment programs.
Located at the Twelve35 Teen Center, PAL provides teens with holistic programming including academic support and a range of enrichment programs such as fitness classes and equipment, environmental education, and social-emotional and mental wellness referral support.
For more information about PAL, visit www.sbpal.org.