Fourth Annual Menudo Festival benefits youth program

The smell of menudo attracted hundreds to the Fourth Annual Menudo Festival at Franklin Elementary School.

Local restaurants competed in a menudo competition. This years winners were Tacos Pipeye in first place, La Tapatia Bakery in second, and Los Altos Mexican Restaurant in third.

This festival is the primary fundraiser for the Santa Barbara Police Department’s Explorer Post Program. The program is made up of local youth, ages 14 to 20, who are considering a career in law enforcement. The Explorer program attempts to bridge the gap between police and the youth of Santa Barbara. Money raised by this festival will help pay for uniforms and competition expenses.

Explorers in the program say the best part of the program is the sense of community. Captain Explorer Ivan Govea said he enjoyed, “All the people we get to meet. All the friendships and bonds we make as an explorer with officers and explorer and people in the community.”

In the last year the Santa Barbara Police Department has hired three explorers as cadets with the department.

If you are interested in Explorer Post Program please visit their website for more information.