San Mateo PAL Pulse January 2026
SAN MATEO POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE
"Building the bond between cops and kids."
PAL HOLIDAY '25: A December recap!
Our hearts are full and our toy storage is officially empty! December kicked off in fast and festive fashion with our annual Shop with a Cop event, hosted in partnership with Macy’s at Hillsdale Shopping Center. Each PAL kiddo was paired with a personal SMPD shopper and treated to a $100 gift card, plus unforgettable visits from Lou Seal and Geoffrey the Giraffe.
Next up? Santa Brunch! More than 600 community members gathered at the MLK Center to enjoy a delicious breakfast, cookie decorating, arts and crafts with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, and a special stop at his Toy Shop.
We wrapped up the season with Santa Cop, delivering holiday magic, gifts, and dinner to children and families throughout our community. Accompanied by an entourage of reindeer, a snowman, the Grinch, Mrs. Claus and chauffeured by Chief Barberini, Santa Cop knocked on doors and made dreams come true for so many little ones.
Heartfelt thanks to our incredible sponsors and volunteers who made these special events possible. For more photos and a full recap of the season, be sure to visit us on Facebook and Instagram.
Winter Schedule
PAL's Place welcomes youth who are in 6th-10th grade to enjoy a safe space to engage with friends through gaming, art activities, sports, relaxing with friends, and/or indulging in a healthy snack! Computer and homework support is provided on-site.
Active PAL memberships are required to enroll in PAL's Place and our programs. Click here to become a FREE PAL member.
*Most Winter classes are FULL. LIMITED spots available for: Jiu-jitsu, Soccer, Beginning Cheer, Ballet Folkorico and Arts + Crafts.
Enroll today! For questions, please contact:
smpal@cityofsanmateo.org or (650) 522-7725.
Coming Soon
Registration for our Top Golf event is NOW OPEN. Click HERE to sign up!
Rookies Corner
What's San Mateo's Finest Therapy K-9 up to?
Rookie is PAL's Therapy K9. Under the care and watch of Youth Services Officer Allison Adle, Rookie's duties include comforting victims and witnesses of crime, reducing trauma, increasing wellness, and participating in community outreach, particularly involving our youth.
Pictured above: Rookie at Santa Brunch! He greeted many excited children and his coloring pages were the biggest hit at the arts and crafts corner.
Keep up with Rookie's adventures by following his Instagram page @tk9_rookie.
Share Your Story
We’d love to hear from you! Share a quick story, photo, or video about what PAL means to you or your child. Why do you support PAL? What did your child love about a program? What did they learn? Your feedback helps us celebrate the impact of our organization and PAL programs and helps us to continue to improve.
Click HERE to add your favorite memory!
High School Seniors: Apply Now!
San Mateo PAL is proud to support PAL youth as they take the next step in their educational journey. PAL Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors who are planning to attend college, university, or another post-secondary program. These scholarships are designed to recognize students who have participated in PAL programs and demonstrated commitment, growth, and perseverance. Whether you’re heading to a two-year college, four-year university, or vocational program, we encourage you to apply.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
[Click to Download Application]
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive financial support as you pursue your goals. We’re excited to celebrate and invest in the future of our PAL youth!
Save the Date
*Click HERE for Lights and Sirens sponsorship info.
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: sanmateopal@cityofsanmateo.org.
Follow our Instagram @sanmateopal and
"Like" our Facebook page @SanMateoPAL!!
