Getting to Know Your Neighbors for Safety’s Sake
By Senator Joel Anderson
How many of us remember playing outside and running around with our childhood friends until the porch light came on, or neighbors talking for hours in person since there was no internet or cell phones?
Getting to Know Your Neighbors for Safety’s Sake
By Senator Joel Anderson
How many of us remember playing outside and running around with our childhood friends until the porch light came on, or neighbors talking for hours in person since there was no internet or cell phones?
Times have changed, but there is an event every year that aims to bring neighbors together and it’s coming up on August 6. The first Tuesday of August each year is recognized throughout America as “National Night Out.” The event is designed to raise awareness of crime and drug prevention and to build those important relationships among neighbors across the country.
For National Night Out, neighbors across our region are asked to turn the porch lights on and enjoy spending the evening outside with neighbors. There will be many block parties, parades and cookouts.
As Vice-Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, I want to make sure you were aware of the National Night Out events in our community so that you have an opportunity to take a stand against crime and drugs in our neighborhoods, reconnect with your neighbors, and thank the men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department will be holding several “National Night Out” events throughout East County where you and your family will have a chance to meet with deputies and firefighters who serve our community. At many of the events there will be food, interactive displays and fun games for kids. The Sheriff’s Department will also provide crime prevention tips.
· Alpine: Sheriff’s Substation, 2751 Alpine Blvd. 4:00-7:00 p.m.
· El Cajon: Crest Library, 105 Juanita Lane, El Cajon. 3:00 p.m.
· Rancho San Diego: Target Parking Lot, 2911 Jamacha Road. 3:30- 6:30 p.m.
· Santee: Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road. 5:30 -8:00 p.m.
What a worthwhile event for our children to show them that it’s important to talk to neighbors face to face and meet law enforcement to hear how they protect us.
It’s a chance for our children to meet deputies, officers, and firefighters in real life, not just through a video game. It’s also an opportunity to have a real conversation with our neighbors about the safety of our communities, not just through a text message or email.
National Night Out is an important tradition that I hope will continue to strengthen the positive neighborhood spirit and bolster unity to help stop crime.
It’s important that we stand together with our neighbors and shine the light on what really matters in our communities: the freedom and safety of our families.
Senator Anderson represents the 36th Senate District which includes parts of San Diego and Riverside Counties. He also is Vice-Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee.
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