April 2022 - Issue 01
San Mateo PAL Pulse
Renew your child's PAL membership today!
Hello PAL Families! It's been a while since we've last connected but we wanted to reach out to say "hello" and to let you know that we created a newsletter called the "PAL Pulse." The PAL Pulse will update you on all that is new and happening at San Mateo PAL. There will be some exciting changes in the near future and we don't want you to miss it!

Our first announcement is a reminder that PAL memberships must be renewed every year in order to participate in PAL programs. If you haven't already renewed and enrolled, now is your time! We have a variety of program offerings including cooking, martial arts, soccer, Jr. Giants, Ballet Folklorico, ukulele, hip-hop dancing, and so much more. Spring and Summer registration will be opening soon so make sure you enroll your PAL-ticipant!

We now have a fillable online Membership Form for both renewals and new members. Please make sure to indicate if you are a new or returning member. Click here to access the form in English and click here for the form en Espanol.
News and Updates
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SAN MATEO PAL TURNS 25!
This year we are celebrating 25 years of San Mateo PAL, and to commemorate this momentous occasion, we will be having our annual "Lights and Sirens" on May 6, 2022. We attribute 25 years of San Mateo PAL's success to our fantastic donors, volunteers, supporters, officers, and staff, and without them, our program would not be where it is today.
San Mateo PAL relies on donor and community support, and we are incredibly appreciative of the immense generosity over the last 25 years. Thanks to our donors, we can provide many opportunities for our PAL kids. 

If you are interested in getting involved, there are a number of opportunities for you to contribute. You can sponsor an event, donate goods or services, and/or volunteer. For full event details, please visit the event website.
Meet a PAL Staff Member
Gladys Privado Pinzon
Every newsletter we will be spotlighting a PAL staff member or volunteer. Without them our PAL programs would not be as successful as they are.

This month we are spotlighting: Gladys Privado Pinzon who is our Bi-lingual Program Specialist and Outreach Coordinator.

"I have been with SM PAL for four years. Working with our Spanish Community in connecting them with PAL programs, parenting classes, and resources. I have planned and coordinated Cultural events for the community, such as Cinco de Mayo and Día de Muertos. I am also part of the Youth Services Bureau team as a Parent Liaison, where I provide community resources and support to families.

Most of my time is spent with our PAL families and our Ballet Folklorico dance program. I enjoy being part of this program because it allows our youth to come together and take in our culture through music. On occasion, you will see me join them in practicing Los Machetes dance. This brings back memories to when I was part of a Ballet Folklorico class growing up. I love the sound of the music and bright colors of the attire."
Gladys is pictured wearing green in the right corner of the top row.
Meet Rookie
PAL's newest Therapy K9!
Rookie is the newest member of the PAL team. He is partnered with our Youth Services Officer, Allison Adle and together they work towards ensuring the well-being of our youth.

Rookie's primary duties include comforting victims and witnesses of crime, reducing trauma, building trust and relationships, increasing wellness and resiliency of community members and city employees, and participating in community outreach particularly involving our youth!

To see more pictures of Rookie, follow Rookie's Instagram page @tk9_rookie.
Join us: Saturday, May 21st
Health & Wellness Family Fair
Make your health a priority. Join us for our community health fair. We will have local health and wellness resources, a jumper, arts and crafts, music, fun and more!

  • Saturday, May 21 from 11 am to 2 pm at MLK Community Park
  • Open to everyone
  • Health and wellness booths
  • Jumper, face painters & arts & crafts
  • Market: Free fruit & veggies
  • Giveaways: Mental health kits (while supplies last)
Upcoming Events
Summer Registration Opens in May
  • Residents: Monday, May 16 at 9:00 am 
  • Non-Residents: Wednesday, May 18 at 9:00 am
  • Register your child for upcoming Summer PAL activities: www.sanmateorec.org
Get Ready for the Jr. Giants Season
  • Registration opens Monday, April 4
  • Visit www.gojrgiants.org for more information and to register
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Family Fun Night - "Spring into Art"
  • Friday, April 15 from 6:30-8:00pm at MLK Community Center
  • This event is open to all and space is still available!
  • Help raise awareness about the importance of student mental health & wellness
  • Free event to Run/Walk anywhere, anytime, any distance and receive a t-shirt along with other prizes!
Online Auction - Open to EVERYONE!
  • May 2 to May 11
  • Registration is free and open to everyone
  • Check out our AMAZING items
  • All proceeds support PAL youth programs
Featured PAL Kids!
Junior Giants
Super Hero Day 2020
Martial Arts
Enter for a chance to be featured on our social media!
Email us pictures and videos (past or present) of your child participating in PAL programs or activities for a chance to be featured on our social media. You can email all content to: [email protected].
Follow our Instagram @sanmateopal and
"Like" our Facebook page @SanMateoPAL!!