Darden to Speak at Annual PALS Event

Former deputy district attorney and O.J. Simpson prosecutor Christopher Darden will be the featured speaker at the East Valley Police Activity League Supporters’ 28th annual community partnership luncheon on Thursday.

“We are fortunate that the citizens of this community support our police officers,” said John McRae, president of East Valley PALS. “The luncheon is a special opportunity to highlight the yearlong support that law enforcement gets from the public.”

Mayor Richard Riordan, members of the City Council, police, business and community leaders will attend the event.

Each year, the luncheon honors exceptional police officers and citizens for their efforts in fighting crime, organizers said.

“It’s a real nice event, it’s good for morale,” said Sgt. Bill Martin, the community relations officer at the LAPD’s North Hollywood Division.

“It recognizes officers that have performed admirably throughout the year, and it also recognizes citizen heroes for the things they’ve done,” Martin said.

The luncheon, which will be held at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, costs $30 and is open to the public.

Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go toward construction of a new Los Angeles Police Department station at Burbank Boulevard and Colfax Street in North Hollywood.

A senior citizen center will move into the old station when the new one is completed next year, Martin said.

“This station was built in 1957,” Martin said.

“It has served almost 40 years and it’s definitely showing its age. The new station will double our size.”

For more information or to make reservations, call PALS, (818) 756-8838.