Lamont girl makes good

Maria Albarran who participates in the Kern County Sheriff's Department's SAL Program in Lamont was recently honored with a scholarship award by a statewide group.
SAL stands for Sheriff's Activity League, a program that exists in east Bakersfield, Lamont and Wasco (I'm sure there are others), and it is designed to mentor and provide educational and sports programs for children living in the neighborhoods where the program is run. Sheriff deputies and sergeants, as well as other volunteers and community groups, work closely with the youth.
Joe Serrano, a private investigator and owner of Gotta Go Bail Bonds in Bakersfield, was her sponsor for the California Association of Licensed Investigator (CALI) Scholarship Award.
Serrano, who is well known in the community through his good work with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also received special recognition, earning the CALI'S Investigator of the Year. (I'll be sharing more about him in a future blog).
Serrano tells me that Maria was en route to the CALI Annual Conference in Burlingame, Calif. a few weeks ago to receive her award when she was involved in a car accident. She was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries, Serrano says.
Serrano later presented the award to Maria, with Sheriff's Senior Deputy John Money, Lamont SAL adviser, proudly observing the presentation.
Serrano says Maria was deserving of the award.
Maria lives in Lamont with her parents, brothers, sisters and several nieces and nephews.
She has been a SAL member since 2006 and was selected "Girl of the Year" in 2007.
She has been involved in many youth educational activities, graffiti removal and trash pick-ups in her community.
Her immediate goal is to become a Kern County Sheriff's Explorer, which, Serrano says, will enrich her values and dedication to the community - something she's already developed as a passion.
Her future goals are to attend Cal State Bakersfield and someday become a great investigator.
We know she's well on her way to reaching her dreams.