Watsonville Police Activities League opens new youth center

Police in Watsonville are working to keep kids off the streets. On Friday, the Watsonville Police Activities League celebrated the grand opening of its new youth center on Davis Avenue.

“It’s great. We’re really happy to have them here,” said neighbor Mari Fernandez-Wong.

Fernandez-Wong said she welcomes PAL. The grandmother hopes just the group’spresence will help prevent crime and keep thechildren safe.

“People stayed more indoors. Their children didn’t want to come out and play. They usually come to the little park, play basketball or little games or just picnic, and that ceased for a while,” said Fernandez-Wong.

But not anymore. What was once a vacant lot, now a safe haven for kids filled with games and sports.

“This is a neighborhood that in the past has been entrenched in gangs. It’s very territorial. So by us and our presence here we’re trying to change the cultural of the neighborhood, and I think we are going to be able to accomplish that,” Watsonville policeLt. Saul Gonzalez said.

No one agrees more than 16-year-old Emily Padilla. She said PAL helped her at a time when she needed support the most.

“When I joined PAL I was actually in foster care and it like helped me turn to like a brighter future and all that, and I didn’t look back at all,” Emily said.

The teen is another success story for PAL, which inspireshope for residents like Fernandez-Wong.

“PAL is the best thing that’s happened since they’ve moved in,” said Fernandez-Wong.