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bySignal Tribune
August 10, 2012
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<strong>Five-year-old Long Beach resident “Rudy
Five-year-old Long Beach resident “Rudy
by Neena Strichart

Getting together with friends, family members and neighbors is especially fun during the summer months. Anywhere out-of-doors seems to be the venue of choice for most of us, as our lovely California climate usually provides us with at least a bit of a breeze. Even during the hottest of days, a slight bit of wind and the shade of a tree or shelter allows us an oasis of sorts where we can spread out, visit and enjoy nature.
I believe our local parks are the best places to gather, as does the California Park and Recreation Society— which spreads the word with its slogan “Parks make life better!” Last Tuesday evening, Aug. 7, we had the chance to spend time in two parks while participating in National Night Out, a program created in 1981 by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) a nonprofit, crime-prevention organization which, according to its website, works in cooperation with thousands of crime-watch groups and law-enforcement agencies throughout the country. To read more about the nationwide event visit nationalnightout.org .

<strong>Signal Hill resident Teresa Sansbury has her blood pressure monitored at the Red Cross booth in Signal Hill.</strong>
Signal Hill resident Teresa Sansbury has her blood pressure monitored at the Red Cross booth in Signal Hill.
Steve and I started our Tuesday evening adventure at Signal Hill’s Reservoir Park, where the Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) hosted its 9th Annual National Night Out free celebration from 5pm to 8pm. In a note to the media, SHPD wrote that its focus for the event is to increase crime-prevention awareness and to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Some of the activities during the evening included arts and crafts, local business and nonprofit information booths, a bounce house, music, barbecue and food for sale by the Signal Hill Honorary Police Officers Association, a free raffle, and a dunk tank, where locals had the chance to dunk employees of the SHPD. Those attending also had the opportunity to view the SHPD’s Mobile Command Vehicle and a Los Angeles County Fire Engine.
<strong>Sisters Brianna and Kenya stop for a cake break during WANA's National Night Out</strong>
Sisters Brianna and Kenya stop for a cake break during WANA's National Night Out
After saying our good-byes in Signal Hill, Steve and I headed over to Long Beach for the 5th Annual National Night Out event hosted by the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA). The festivities took place from 6:30pm to 9pm at the mini park on the 900 block of West 21st Street. A potluck dinner was the main focus for the evening— and free hot dogs, coffee and cake made for great additions! On hand were members of the Long Beach Police Department’s (LBPD) West Division, K-9 Unit and SWAT team, who addressed the crowd and answered questions relating to law enforcement. Families sat under the trees and visited with neighbors as the kids ran and played under the stars.
Both events were well attended, and I am so glad we had the chance to spend time in both places. A big thank-you to SHPD and LBPD for understanding the importance of a Night Out for residents.

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