Pasadena Police Foundation Raises $30,000 to Support PUSD Tech Needs

On the heels of a virtual fundraiser that raised about $30,000 to help the Pasadena Unified School District, the Pasadena Police Foundation is continuing its effort to support local schools and students with tech needs as they navigate the pandemic, according to the organization.

The foundation was formed in 1993 with the purpose of supporting the Pasadena Police Department. It runs youth programs and is a strong supporter of the department’s K-9 program, said local attorney Brandon Carroll, a PPF board member.

But the arrival of COVID-19 prompted changes, in more ways than one.

When the foundation approached Police Chief John Perez last year to discuss his department’s needs and his ideas for the funds, the chief suggested the money could best be used not by purchasing equipment or resources for police but by supporting local students, according to PPF President and Financial Planner Gil Mares.

“Chief Perez has really wanted to focus on education in the local community, because all the statistics show that education is one of the best ways to not only have an informed community, but reduce crime,” Carroll said. “It’s really kind of groundbreaking.”

As the pandemic prompted a sudden shift to online instruction for PUSD students, the pressing need for equipment such as laptops, internet hotspots and headsets became strikingly evident, Carroll said.

And with students now returning to school in a hybrid format, with some students attending in person and others online, a whole new set of needs has arisen in order to make sure students maintain an equitable, quality education, he said. 

“They need projectors, webcams, document cameras,” Carroll said. “They have huge technology needs that weren’t necessarily planned.”

Additionally, starting last year, the PPF has gifted laptop computers to graduating high school seniors who are members of the Pasadena Police Explorers program, representatives said. About a dozen students received computers last year to take with them to college, and another 15 got them this year.

Foundation Board Member Char Bland spearheaded procuring the computers from a local vendor, Mares said.

Due to the pandemic, the foundation’s usual annual primary fundraiser, the Chief’s Breakfast, had to be moved to an online format, Carroll said. Nonetheless, the community came together to donate roughly $30,000 for the fundraiser late last year. The event featured dignitaries including city officials and U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena), as well as an online auction.

But since the need continues, so does the PPF’s campaign to help, said organization vice president and longtime Pasadena city employee Robert Monzon.

The group has launched a spring campaign to continue soliciting donations to help the PUSD, Monzon explained.

“In the spring appeal, we’re hoping to continue that theme. And, hopefully, folks in the community will continue to be generous,” he said. “We’re going to be partnering more with the PUSD and addressing some of the tech needs.”

The PPFis partnering with other groups such as the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce to get the word out, Monzon added.

Mares commended Perez for his forward-thinking emphasis and community-minded approach.

Carroll agreed.

“It’s pretty refreshing to have a chief who says, ‘We really need to focus on our youth. That’s how our community gets stronger and better,’” he said.

More information on the PPF, including a link to donate, is available on the organization’s website at pasadenapolicefoundation.org.