(June 24, 2008) -- LB's Police Athletic League (PAL) was the beneficiary of a 15th Anniversary Celebration for StraightTalkTV, as Host/Executive Producer Art Levine turned the festivities (for the seventh time) into a fundraiser for the non-profit group...and generous sponsors and guests responded.

Nearly 180 people filled the oversize event tent adjoining the El Dorado Country Club on Saturday June 21 to benefit PAL, created in 1990 (its website says) to build "mutual trust, respect and understanding among police officers and the young by enabling them to interact in a safe and positive setting."

Honorary Co-Chairs for the event were Governor George Deukmejian, Mayor Bob Foster and CSULB President F. King Alexander. The StraightTalkTV Celebration, titled "Rock N' Summer," gave guests the option of wearing casual beach style attire visible in many of the photos below. Among the guests we spotted:

First Lady Nancy Foster (Mayor Bob was in Florida at Nat'l Conference of Mayors confab) and former Governor George Deukmejian (spouse Gloria visible in other photos below).

3rd district Councilman Gary DeLong, former 8th district Councilman Rob Webb (Laserfiche Gov't Affairs Mgr.)...and in the background state Senator Alan Lowenthal (D., LB-Paramount).

From the Top of the Town, 9th district Councilman Val Lerch.

Former Mayor Eunice Sato.

7th district Councilwoman (recent Dem Assembly candidate) Tonia Reyes Uranga chats with Repub Assembly candidate Gabriella Holt.

State Senator Alan Lowenthal (D., LB-Paramount).

In photo center: Diane Ripley, LB public affairs specialist.

Also among those spotted: LBPD Administration Bureau Chief Braden Phillips, LB Planning Commissioner Chuck Greenberg, Economic Development Commission Chair Julie Heggeness, CSU Trustee Craig Smith, CSULB VP Student Services Doug Robinson, Community Hospital of LB President/CEO Ray Jankowski, Monterey Park City Councilman Mitchell Eng, Long Beach Magazine Editor in Chief/Creative Director A.J. Yager, current StraightTalkTV Producer/Director Ron Petke and former StraightTalkTV Producer/Director Bill Clark and football great Jeff Severson.

On the dance floor: NLB community advocate Dan Pressburg and wife Holly (demonstrating Mr. Pressburg's successful hip replacement operation, dancing to the Glenn Miller classic "In the Mood.")

First Lady Nancy Foster chats with StraightTalkTV Host/Executive Producer Art Levine.

LBCC Trustee Roberto Uranga and Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga were celebrating their anniversary (we think they said their 22nd) and he presented her with a romantic rose. (Ah, to be young and in love.)

A creative LB item: Rachel Potucek and Ryan Smolar. Their highly praised 2007 "University by the Sea" combined enlightenment and entertainment in promoting downtown LB...and they have other projects in the works.

City Auditor Laura Doud.

Governor Deukmejian, Jacque Smith and Straight Talk Host/Executive Producer Art Levine.

Press-Telegram Executive Editor Rich Archbold said something that prompted a reaction from Gloria Deukmejian and the former Governor.

Host Levine thanked his guests, contributors and PAL participants.

First Lady Nancy Foster delivered remarks. To hear them, click here.

Offering comments about PAL, Lt. Ty Hatfield, LBPD...

...and PAL Volunteer Boxing Coach Joe Zanders. To hear salient portions of their remarks, click here.

Councilman Val Lerch spoke to the crowd. To hear his remarks, click here.

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R., HB-LB-PV) delivered remarks...and presented Mr. Levine and Straight Talk with an official recognition. To hear Cong. Rohrabacher's remarks, click here.

State Senator Alan Lowenthal (D., LB-Paramount) recalled when he and Prof. Levine were CSULB colleagues...and ribbed Levine for advising him not to run for the City Council in 1992. To hear Sen. Lowenthal's remarks, click here.

Host Levine cuts the Straight Talk 15th Anniversary cake, generously donated by Rossmoor Pastries, assisted by SCE's Connie Turner.

Ronny and the Classics rocked out...starting off with the Dick Dale classic Miserlou.

Besides his talents as a TV host, Mr. Levine obviously has skills as a party planner and fundraiser. Organizing the event entailed preparations akin to a large wedding (catering, band, etc.) plus securing sponsorships to ensure the fundraiser actually raised funds. Regarding the latter:

The Event Sponsor: Southern California Edison. Supporting Sponsors: Community Hospital of LB, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, the LB Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Molina Healthcare.

Silver Table Sponsors: Aquarium of the Pacific, Boeing, CSULB's Office of the President, Downtown LB Associates, Golden Security Bank, the Keesal, Young & Logan law firm, Laserfiche, Long Beach Water, Murphy, Murphy & Murphy CPA, Spirit of Hope Foundation/Jacque & Gene Smith.

Media Sponsors were Charter Communications, Long Beach Business Journal, Long Beach Magazine and the Press-Telegram.

Mr. Levine says six previous Straight Talk Charity Nights produced a collective total of about $20,000 for PAL. However with a final tally pending, Mr. Levine estimates that this year's proceeds will bring LB's Police Athletic League nearly $20,000 in one night.

Donations can continue to be made online. The event's ticket reservation form includes a line for a donation without attendance, click here.