National Night Out coming Tuesday to Inland Empire
When Cindy Hastings took over as manager of a San Dimas mobile home park 17 years ago, residents rarely spoke to each other and she witnessed drug deals on the property.But after building a relationship with local sheriff's deputies and holding parties every year for an event called National Night Out, she says the mobile home park has changed dramatically.
"Over the years, (residents have) come together and they watch out for each other," said Hastings.
She is one of many Neighborhood Watch captains holding block parties Tuesday for National Night Out, a gathering of communities to take a stand against crime. Hastings' events at Lone Hills Manor Mobile Home Estates draw hundreds of people, including dignitaries and law enforcement, for an evening of food and entertainment.
Law enforcement agencies across Southern California plan to tour block parties, meet residents and discuss crime occurring in neighborhoods. Many cities are also holding kickoff events featuring everything from police dog demonstrations to gift giveaways.
The Rialto Police Department's gatherings are known to draw thousands of people. And the department added even more features for Tuesday's event at the Willow Avenue police station, including Los Angeles-area food trucks and rides in police car for children.
"We're hoping for a bigger turn out," said Rialto police Cpl. Cameron Nelson.
It will be a showcase of the city's public safety personnel, with appearances by SWAT officers, police and firefighters, as well as a helicopter landing.
It's an event that works, says Judy Roberts, a Rialto police volunteer and Neighborhood Watch coordinator for the city.
Rialto police's participation in National Night Out evolved from touring block parties about eight years ago to throwing a kickoff party that drew about 6,000 people last year. That's double the number of people who gathered for the downtown event in 2010, Roberts said.
"It's amazing the number of people who truly care about their city and really want to be a part of the solution as opposed to griping about the problem," she said.
Nelson said it's a chance for neighbors to get out of their homes and talk to each other.
"A lot of people don't even talk to their neighbors anymore. We're trying to break that cycle," he said.
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