New Exec Director at Police Activities League

The Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL), a police-run mentorship program for children and teens, announced Tuesday that Michelle Meyering will serve as its new executive director. She has worked just over two years for the organization and most recently served as development director. “They’ve been working without an executive director for quite some time,” said police spokesperson Sgt. Riley Harwood. The last person to hold the position was Sara Spataro, who was appointed in February 2014.

“Michelle is a perfect fit for our organization at this time,” said SBPAL’s board president John Van Donge in a prepared statement. “She has worked in various capacities and brings experience from the nonprofit world through her previous work with the Boy Scouts of America.”

Thanking the City of Santa Barbara and recently retired Police Chief Cam Sanchez, Van Donge said, “Chief Sanchez went to great lengths for the youth of this community. We know the appointment of Michelle to this position will continue our endeavors to make Santa Barbara a great place for all youth in Santa Barbara.”

Since 1999, SBPAL has offered homework help and athletic, cultural, and leadership development programs “to under-served and at-risk” Santa Barbara young people. Its Twelve35 Teen Center is located on the corner of Chapala and Victoria at 1235 Chapala Street.