Lion Center Splash sooths desert sting
BRAWLEY – Only a denizen of the Valley would worry about how chill the pool is, deep into the dog days of summer.
“Hey dad, the water’s not that cold,” shouted Derrick Hirales to his father as he surfaced from the Lion Center Pool.
His father, David Hirales, had to think for a second, but soon realized he has been to every Splash Party. “It’s great fun for the family,” he said. “I like to bring the kids out for a good time.”
The fifth annual Splash Party was again organized by the Brawley Public Safety Employee Association (BPSEA). They were assisted by the Brawley Police Explorers, students 14 to 20 interested in a law enforcement career. The mission is to have a good time with community residents and it is free for all noted Luis Sanchez BPSEA president. They are especially grateful for sponsors: Desert RV Service, Walmart, Brawley City Council and local business owner, Michael Mattia.
“He’s been one of our biggest sponsors since day one,” said Sanchez. “As usual we want to have a good time with everybody and the kids hang out with our Explorers.”
The Explorers love to meet the community remarked Esperanza Beltran, sergeant in the organization. “I love being with the Explorers and I love interacting with the community,” said Beltran. “And it’s a great chance for kids to learn about law enforcement and to get acquainted with us.”
The BPSEA brought enough hot dogs and cold drinks for 200 as Brawley Police Department personnel. Chela Garcia, evidence clerk, Regina Kim, dispatch supervisor and officer Arnold Valdez (retired in December after 30 years) helped “man the grill” along with Explorer Guillermo Campista. Campista said, “This is a good thing for the kids and the community to come out in the hot weather.”
Pumping up the volume on the soundtrack were disc jockeys Jassteezy and Dj Jeti who like to play a little bit of everything. As Dj Jeti notet, they are big music fans and grew up on Motown of the 60s.
“I’m a Santana fan, but I’m open to everything,” he said. “I like to mix it up big time because I don’t want to limit myself.”
Arriving with his sons and nephews, Jordan Espinoza and toddler Julien, and teaching them to swim in a safety vest was Manuel Cardenas. “It’s a pretty nice idea for the valley,” said Cardenas. “They should do this more often.”
Also a big hit, once they got their power supply restored, was the Gourmet Hawaiian Shaved Ice truck. Once again, the big most popular flavors Tiger’s Blood, Cotton Candy, Blue Raspberry and the people’s choice: Rainbows (customer’s own potion).
But as often happens, Splash Party was enjoyed best on the fly as it was for the family of David and Kelly Vidaurry. David heard about the party through KXO 107.5 FM and on his way off from work, phoned Kelly.
“I said, you know what, they got a Splash Day at the Lion Center and since the pool at our apartment is down for repairs, why not bring the kids- we’ll meet,” he said. “So we couldn’t have picked a better day.”