7-Eleven Teams With Police for Kids’ Program

The Oxnard Police Department Activities League on Wednesday introduced a plan to keep kids out of trouble: Give them free Slurpees.

To receive a frozen-beverage coupon, kids must sign a contract promising to respect people’s feelings and property, to listen to police officers and to obey the law.

It is part of Operation Chill, devised three years ago by the Southland Corp. 7-Eleven Stores.

The kickoff event, held at a 7-Eleven store, marked the beginning of the company’s partnership with the activities league, known as PAL. Police representatives, along with PAL staff and youth volunteers, showed up to educate residents about services provided by police.

“It’s a chance for people in the community to come out and see what each unit is all about,” said Officer Steve Kawaguchi.

Visitors met with officers from K-9, SWAT, traffic, bicycle patrol and mounted units, who demonstrated equipment.

The hosts focused on informing youths about PAL, a unit of the Police Department that provides after-school and summertime activities.

Programs include art workshops, sports tournaments, a summer camp, a teen center with games and after-school entertainment, a boxing program and basketball leagues.

“We just want to let everyone know we have a place that kids can come to,” said Lucia Renteria, a PAL recreation leader.

Renteria said she is starting a dance team to cheer for the program’s basketball teams. This year, PAL’s traveling team of 14-year-olds placed fourth in the nation at a Las Vegas tournament.

Several star players attended the kickoff event to show their support.

“We’ve got to give back to our community,” said team member Manny Berrelleza of Oxnard, explaining that PAL’s involvement in the basketball program helped the team perform well.

Program coordinators helped arrange financing and transportation for the team and joined the coaching staff.

“Overall, the coaching has been the best,” said Ryan Cobos, a team member from Ventura who is also a member of PAL’s teen committee.

Many teammates, including Manny, find time between school and daily practices to join the committee in planning PAL teen activities.

But Ryan and Manny agree that the basketball program is their favorite part of PAL. Winning had a lot to do with that.

“It felt great,” Manny said with a grin.

For more information on PAL, call 385-8104.