California PAL Names Assemblywoman Garcia “2004 Legislator of the Year”

SACRAMENTO –Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City) announced she was awarded the “2004 Legislator of the Year Award” from the California Police Activities League (PAL).† The award recognizes legislators that actively and consistently work to reduce crime and make California safer for youth.

The California Police Activities League (PAL) is a non-profit organization that strives to reduce juvenile crime by encouraging friendships between cops and kids. PAL counts on police and sheriff officers at over 100 law enforcement agencies throughout the state to mentor at-risk kids through recreation and leadership training programs.† As California’s largest juvenile crime prevention program, PAL has made a positive difference in the lives of more than 300,000 young people. †

Garcia stated, “I am honored to receive this recognition as a legislator, but know the accolades really belong to the men and women in uniform.† They give up so much of their personal time to make a difference in children’s lives by forming partnerships with our community.† Working together, we will continue to fight for funding to keep PAL programs viable and expand them into every corner of our state. ”

California PAL recently voted to support Assemblywoman Garcia’s bill, AB 784, which seeks $15 million to fund the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Teams (SAFE Teams) to closely monitor registered sex offenders released from jail into the community.

“Assemblywoman Garcia was an easy choice – she is a proven supporter of law enforcement and children’s programs and has consistently demonstrated leadership in this area,” said Ron Exley, Government Relations Director.

Assemblywoman Garcia is scheduled to speak Sunday, April 10, 2005 to over 300 children representing their agencies at the annual California PAL Sacramento Experience.