Welcome Captain Lazar, Thank you Captain Bruce (Ret.)
The Board of Directors of the San Francisco Police Activities League would like to take this opportunity to express their deep gratitude for the outstanding service and dedication of outgoing SFPAL President Captain Rick Bruce (Ret.)
Captain Bruce’s countless hours of hard work and his ability to encourage and motivate others on behalf of the program will be deeply missed. SFPAL will be forever in his debt.
The Board would also like to announce the appointment of Captain David Lazar to the SFPAL President’s chair.
Captain Lazar brings great energy and leadership to his new role as president after devoting much time and effort to ensure that the mission of putting kids and cops together in classrooms, gymnasiums and playgrounds is being fulfilled in the City.
SFPAL is proud and honored to have worked with Captain Bruce and looks forward to the future growth and success of our programs under the guidance of Captain Lazar.
2015 Polar Plunge & 5K Fun Run/Walk
SFPAL members were proud to be among the participants in this year’s Polar Plunge and 5K Fun Run/Walk to benefit the Special Olympics!
The event, which took place Saturday, February 21 at the Aquatic Park in San Francisco was attended by several SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadets who both participated and assisted in the set-up and organization for this major fundraiser.
Sure, it was a bit of a chilly dip, but great fun was had by all while raising awareness on behalf of the Special Olympics program.
Manning the Recruitment Station.
Cold? So what! Let’s go for a dip!
SFPD Chief Greg Suhr addresses the crowd.
The 245th Academy Class was on hand to lend their support for The Special Olympics.
Quite a crowd on hand! Including SFPAL President Captain David Lazar, Chief Greg Suhr and Deputy Chief Lyn Tomioka!
Conditioning Program in full-swing!!!
Being active and staying fit is an important part of a young person’s life. A fun way to accomplish your fitness goal is taking part in SFPAL’s Conditioning Program! Check the link in the side menu for more info on how to participate!
Mission Station Joins Central Station in Sandlot Program!
The Sandlot Program which connects Kids with Cops by offering on-the-spot pick-up games at area playgrounds is now underway at both the Central Station and Mission Station! Look for more Sandlot games soon all across The City!
Special SFPAL screening of McFarland USA was a smash!
On a recent, brisk February morning SFPAL friends and family gathered at the UA Regal Cinema at the Stonestown Galleria to enjoy a special screening of the new inspirational film from Disney Studios, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.
The crowd gathered in the lobby and loaded up on popcorn and soda pop from the snack bar before settling into their seats. Following a brief introduction from Chief Greg Suhr and SFPAL President Captain David Lazar, the lights went down and the projector started to roll.
McFarland USA chronicles the true story of high school coach Jim White and the kids from a predominately Latino small town who find themselves linked, like it or not, in an effort to achieve a goal no one thought they could reach.
The SFPAL audience clapped and cheered several times throughout the uplifting story. Afterward, nearly everyone in attendance commented on how inspiring and motivating the film was.
SFPAL would like to thank the UA Regal Cinema and Walt Disney Pictures for providing the group with a sneak peek of what is sure to be one of the year’s most heartwarming films. McFarland USA is set for general release on February, 20th.
Viva! Las Vegas!
The SFPAL Seahawks Cheer and Dance Team placed FOURTH at theJAMZ Youth Competition recently held in Las Vegas. We’re proud of our Team and their coaches. We’d like to congratulate the girls, their coach, Teanna Tillery, as well as their SFPD mentor, Lt. Milanda Moore on a job well done! GO ‘HAWKS!!!
SFPAL Holiday Dinner, 2014
Officer Edie Lewis addresses the group.
The San Francisco Police Activities League Annual Holiday Dinner was recently held at The Academy. Special thanks to Officer Edie Lewis for putting the event together. The food was great and the company even greater!!!
SFPAL Junior Giant Wins $5,000 Scholarship
We’re proud to celebrate the success of our own SFPAL baseball Junior Giant Conall Pederson and congratulate his coach Lt. Mike Stasko (retired). Conall is one of ten Junior Giant scholars selected this year to receive a $5,000 scholarship upon successful completion of high school and acceptance to college or a training program. He is only the second kid in San Francisco history to be awarded the prestigious Giants Community Fund “Harmon and Sue Burns Scholarship.” The award was presented at the Giants Game against the Philadelphia Phillies (we won, too!) on August 16 at AT&T Park in San Francisco.
Conall is a student at Saint Philip the Apostle Grammar School in San Francisco’s Noe Valley. Lt. Stasko is the Athletic Director there. They’re both very special to SFPAL.
Conall Pederson Wins a $5,000 Scholarship
About Conall Pederson
Conall first met Lt. Stasko when he transferred into Saint Philip the Apostle Grammar School for his 5th grade year.
Lt. Stasko describes Conall as someone who grew over time and displayed exemplary character: determined, enthusiastic, trustworthy, out going, confidant to others, leader, team player, organized, and compassionate to others.
Conall’s enthusiasm and heart made him stand out. He eagerly joined new sports, attending every practice and participating in every game. His full of encouragement, is a mentor to younger players, and engages with students in all grades.
You can see why he was selected for this honor!
Lt. Mike Stasko (retired)
About Lt. Mike Stasko
As a child, Lt. Stasko (who was born, raised and still resides in San Francisco) played SFPAL baseball and basketball. As a teen, he served as an SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet and still volunteers his time as an instructor in the program.
Youth sports are very important to Lt. Stasko: he began coaching basketball, track and SFPAL football while still in high school. In college, he coached basketball at Orinda’s Sleepy Hollow and refereed SF CYO basketball. He has also coached baseball and served as a scuba diving instructor. He began coaching baseball and basketball at St. Philip the Apostle Parish in 1998, and became the parish Athletic Director in 2000, overseeing basketball, baseball, soccer, track, cross country and T-ball.
With all that experience, it’s not surprising that Lt. Stasko serves on the SFPAL Board because he loves to teach and coach kids.
About the Scholarship
Celebrating its 13th year, the Giants Community Fund’s scholarship program emphasizes the importance of self-esteem, teamwork and leadership, and a commitment to academics and community service through assisting students to achieve goals of higher education and community involvement. The goal is to provide students with the incentive and motivation to reach their full potential.
In 2009, the Junior Giants Scholars program was renamed the Harmon and Sue Burns Scholarship Fund in honor of the late Giants owners Harmon and Sue Burns. Both Harmon and Sue were generous supporters of the Giants Community Fund. The Fund is thankful to The Burns Family Foundation and Franklin Templeton Investments for underwriting the scholarship program in honor of Harmon and Sue.
