About PALS
Mission Statement
LAPD Devonshire PALS builds character and enriches the lives of children and teens by offering year round activities that foster trust and understanding between young people, the LAPD and the community.
History
Organized in 1973, Devonshire PALS is dedicated to developing character in youth, reducing juvenile crime and creating safer communities. We do this by providing after-school enrichment programs for low-income, at-risk children and teens that build strong, positive relationships between youth and law enforcement officers. Due to the tremendous need for youth programs in the southern section of Northridge, and with a community determined to help, PALS built a youth center in this underserved neighborhood. We celebrated the center’s grand opening in October 2009.
Board of Directors
Devonshire PALS is extremely proud of the countless individuals who support our organization. PALS has up to a 25 member board of directors who selflessly donate hundreds of hours to lead our committees and manage our nonprofit organization supporting Devonshire PALS with their time, talent and treasure.
| Board Member | Description |
|---|---|
| Board President Thomas Christopher | Christopher Law Group Inc. |
| Parliamentarian, Circle of Heroes Chair Dick Ashnault | Ashnault Specialties, High Tech signs and Banners |
| Secretary Bree Breckenridge | Waste Management Government and Community Relations |
| Executive Vice President Victoria (Vickie) Bourdas Martinez | Skateland/Mountasia Family Fun Center |
| Treasurer Mike Lehron | Health Net |
| Youth Advisor to the Board Alicia Sullivan-Roberts | PALS Volunteer |
| Frank Bush | City of Los Angeles Building and Safety |
| John Lee | JSL & Associates |
| Judi Greenberg | Northridge Middle School |
| Laine Caspi | Paratus Insurance |
| Lorraine New | Parthenia Properties |
| Mark Fishlowitz | Financial Advisors Edward Jones |
| Matthew Hernandez | Public Safety Deputy Council District 12 |
| Mindy Park | Vice Principal Valley Alternative |
| Rebecca Oda | Heartland Payroll Services |
| Robert (Hank) Miller | Retired Banker |
| Sally Barnes | Retired LAPD, Travel Agent |
| Steve Slutzah | Stone and Tile Consulting Inc. |
LAPD Partners
The Los Angeles Police Department Devonshire Area is in complete support of Devonshire PALS and the exceptional, valuable services they provide area youth. Youth Service Officers work directly with the participants of each program offered through Devonshire PALS and are committed to serving our community through mentorship.
Advisors
- LAPD Captain Kathleen Burns
- LAPD Lt Chris Zine
- LAPD Sgt. Joe McDowell
- LAPD Devonshire Officers Assigned to Youth Services: Officer Jeff Johnson, Officer Claudia Chavez, Officer Mike Delesdernier, Officer Marc Ferris
- John Jamgotchian, Attorney at Law
Youth Center Staff
Sue Bruno, Executive Administrator Devonshire Youth Center
Ivan Magana, Program Coordinator Devonshire Youth Center
Jonetta Mitchell, Academic Coordinator Devonshire Youth Center
Lydia Davenport, Financial Controller Devonshire Youth Center
PALS TEAM
The Youth Center has a team of dedicated lead volunteers. The support they provide to the children in our program is invaluable and we appreciate their contributions.
Instructors and Youth Center Volunteers:
Art Instructor – Ingrid Hudshon
Folklorico Dance Instructor – Maria Salinas
Tae Kwon Do Instructor – Luis Reyes
Boxing Work Out Instructor- Ivan Magana Ramirez
Dance Instructor- Monica Mc Swain
Youth Center Volunteer Team:
Ritch Bloom
Renate Colvin
Deborah Davis
Miguel Herberth
Celia Hyam
Prudencio Lua
Norma Martinez
Sue Mueller
Shant Nazarian
Jazmin Ortiz
Jay Robbins
Rita Zlotorinski
Aldo Casteneda
