TEMECULA: Sailing into retirement and raising money for SAFE…..

Press Release

13 years ago

Sailing into retirement and raising money for SAFE…..

The SAFE Police Activities League was started in 2004 by then Sergeant William DeLuna. DeLuna, supervisor of the School Resource Officers at Temecula Schools, and SRO Deputy Tony Goss saw a need in the community to work with kids in the schools to help them stay on the straight and narrow. “Kids just weren’t being respectful of law enforcement and teachers. We wanted to change that on our school campuses.” stated DeLuna. A call was put into SAFE and asked if they would like to partner with Temecula Police Department to work with the kids in a different venue.

Temecula Police Department and SAFE already served domestic violence victims together. Then Chief of Police Jim Domenoe was on the SAFE founding Board of Directors and saw the need and supported the PAL program formation. From there Executive Director Melissa Donaldson and DeLuna teamed up and looked for a program that would work best for them and the kids and that program was the Police Activities League.

Now Lieutenant DeLuna is retired but he is still the volunteer P.A.L. Program Director. To date the program has served over 1,700 kids with over 8,572 volunteer officer hours given to the program with both Temecula and Murrieta Police Departments participating. P.A.L. has many programs that are designed to engage young people, provide opportunities they may not have had without the program, all involving playing and working with law enforcement. The program teaches everyone to respect each other, give back to the community and have fun doing cool things. P.A.L. has many programs open to all kids in the community because all kids are at risk at school, home or the playing field. The newest program being launched is the Equestrian Program but there are many activities for the kids.

As the economy continues to be a challenge for SAFE, the PAL program is a challenge to fund and keep operating at a high level. DeLuna wanted to help in that area as well. In his retirement he has started a business called Pacific Marine Charters out of Oceanside California. Retired Deputies Pringle, Ridley and DeLuna have been hosting kids out at their boats for years providing sailing trips, kayaking trips and swimming parties. Now DeLuna wants to take it a step farther. He wants to raise money for the program he has put his heart and soul into. Pacific Marine Charters offers four hour coastal cruises for $400 but for SAFE friends and supporters he is reducing that fee by 50% and on top of that he will donate $50 per booking to P.A.L. “Keeping our program alive and thriving for the kids is important to me. “ says DeLuna. DeLuna has been the catalyst for other officers to join. The program has a solid foundation in both Murrieta and Temecula Police Departments because of his work then and now. It is solid because both Police Departments and City Councils get it and support the program. They know that kids who respect law enforcement respect other adults and that is better for all of us.”

If you are interested in booking a cruise on Pacific Marine Charters call SAFE at 951-587-3900 and ask for William DeLuna or email at pacificmarinecharters@yahoo.com and type in SAFE in the subject tab to get the special throughout the summer.

Safe Alternatives for Everyone is a non-profit agency in Temecula that provides services and programs for children, youth and families who have experienced or are at risk of violence and abuse. For more information visit our website at www.safefamiliesca.org or call 951.587.3900.