In 2007, the Santa Ana Police Department opened its doors to its first Police Athletic and Activities League (PAAL) Center on the city’s west side. Today, a SECOND PAAL location, within the Roosevelt/Walker Community Center, has opened its door for Santa Ana children to enjoy on the east side of Santa Ana. Combined, these two centers serve 130 youths, providing critical after-school homework assistance, physical fitness training, exposure to culture and arts, and life lessons thru its expanding athletics programs.
The goal of the PAAL Centers is to ensure every student is on a path to success while creating strong positive relationships between youth, parents, and the dedicated police personnel that serve and support them. The Santa Ana Police Department expects to have its third PAAL Center, at 625 South Cypress, opened by the end of 2023.
“The expansion of the Santa Ana PAAL program is another example of how our dedicated police officers and professional civilian staff continue to help build the future of our city through our youth,” said Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin. “It is through the leadership and vision of PAAL Director, Corporal John Holcomb, that we integrate new ideas and programs to the development of our PAAL centers. We will make every effort to ensure we provide our youth with programs that will enhance their quality of life and safety; while at the same time investing in their leadership development skills as we focus on our mutual goal of COMMUNITY FIRST. It’s a great day for Santa Ana, our youth, families and our continued community trust building!” said Chief Valentin.
