Be a P.A.L. to local teens

RENT-A-BOOK: Allan Hancock College’s bookstore recently announced the launch of a new book-renting program. According to college officials, the option could save students up to $250,000 dollars during the 2010-11 school year by offering textbooks for rent at 40 percent of the sticker price. Over the next year, the bookstore will increase the number of rental books offered to 40 titles and approximately 1,500 books, making the program one of the largest textbook rental programs in the state. Bill Hockensmith (pictured left), Allan Hancock College’s director of bookstore services, recently helped student Sarah Samaniego through the rental process. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE

The Police Activities League (P.A.L.) is looking for adults to make a difference in the lives of Santa Maria’s teens. P.A.L. is in the recruitment phase of its new mentoring program, which provides recreation and leisure programs taught by local law enforcement officers and volunteers to the community’s youth.

Program mentors are required to spend at least one hour a week with an assigned youth in P.A.L.’s after-school or evening program. Mentors and teens will participate in a number of fun activities such as reading, games, sports, music, arts and crafts, and more.

All mentors are required to go through a screening process and training program before being accepted into the program.

For more information about becoming a P.A.L. mentor, contact Teresa Mitchell at 925-0951, Ext. 504.

This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 5, 2010.