August 03, 2006 - Making Safety A Top Priority

Making Safety A Top Priority

Police gather with residents for evening of fun and games

August 03 , 2006

News Article/IVDB

By Lori Consalvo and Jason Newell, Staff Writers
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Pomona police cars lined Angela and Chanslor streets Tuesday night, but officers weren't responding to a crime or making an arrest.

Instead, they gathered at the Renacimiento Community Center to talk with residents, enjoy music and play games with neighborhood children during the 23rd Annual National Night Out.

"This event helps bring a positive association to police presence," said Claremont Police Sgt. Patrick O'Malley, who came to Pomona to help with the event. "It betters the relationship between the community and us."

Communities across the Inland Valley and the nation observed the annual event Tuesday, as residents flipped on porch lights and celebrated with block parties, potluck dinners and children's games.

The event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, aims to boost crime prevention awareness and build partnerships between police and communities.

Last year, an estimated 34 million people participated. This year Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Fontana, La Verne, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, San Dimas and Upland were registered for events, proving the idea has only become more popular.

"National Night Out and the people who help organize it are targeting crime in general," said state Sen. Nell Soto, D-Pomona

As Soto sat at a table surrounded by dozens of children, she said she was encouraged by the neighborhood's effort to make safety a priority.

"This night tends to indicate that there are people interested in taking care of the partnership in the neighborhood," she said.

In Pomona, officials stressed that the event's value was getting residents to see themselves as an important part of the fight against crime. Such commitment is a key ingredient in the city's soon-to-be-finished Youth & Family Master Plan -- its blueprint for steering young people away from crime.

Mayor Norma Torres, who planned to stop at several of the city's festivities, praised it as a way to help neighbors realize the importance of being connected.

"It's a wonderful thing when the residents can get together and acknowledge Neighborhood Watch and the effort that they make to keep our communities safe," she said.

By providing a way for neighbors to get acquainted with each other and the police, the event fosters more cooperation and community pride, she said.

Neighborhoods that are united to report crimes and prevent them before they happen can play a key role in helping the city's understaffed police department get a handle on the crime problem, she said.

Pomona has one officer for every 875 residents. The national average is one for every 435.

"We're never going to have enough police," Torres said. "We'll never be able to put a police officer on every corner. This is one way to help watch out and keep our community safe."

Councilman Dan Rodriguez said the event's success has been proven by the way it has grown over the years.

His district used to have two locations hosting celebrations. Tuesday it had five, he said. The event has helped to spawn local Neighborhood Watch groups and allowed residents to build trust with police officers, he said.

"That trust alone, and the relationships that come out of this, are just huge," Rodriguez said.

In Pomona, 16 meetings were held throughout the city. Each consisted of potlucks, music, dancing, games and an overall celebration of community.

"Events like this will encourage the neighborhood watch," said Lyn Ibanez, community service officer with the Pomona Police Dep Unit.

For one night, about 50 residents near Angela and Chanslor streets were invited to forget about the crime that surrounds their neighborhood and play musical chairs with each other.

"There is a little bit of hope for this area," Ibanez said. "There is always hope."

###



Making Safety A Top Priority

Police gather with residents for evening of fun and games
August 03 , 2006 News Article/IVDB By Lori Consalvo and Jason Newell, Staff Writers Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Pomona police cars lined Angela and Chanslor streets Tuesday night, but officers weren't responding to a crime or making an arrest. Instead, they gathered at the Renacimiento Community Center to talk with residents, enjoy music and play games with neighborhood children during the 23rd Annual National Night Out. "This event helps bring a positive association to police presence," said Claremont Police Sgt. Patrick O'Malley, who came to Pomona to help with the event. "It betters the relationship between the community and us." Communities across the Inland Valley and the nation observed the annual event Tuesday, as residents flipped on porch lights and celebrated with block parties, potluck dinners and children's games. The event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, aims to boost crime prevention awareness and build partnerships between police and communities. Last year, an estimated 34 million people participated. This year Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Fontana, La Verne, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, San Dimas and Upland were registered for events, proving the idea has only become more popular. "National Night Out and the people who help organize it are targeting crime in general," said state Sen. Nell Soto, D-Pomona As Soto sat at a table surrounded by dozens of children, she said she was encouraged by the neighborhood's effort to make safety a priority. "This night tends to indicate that there are people interested in taking care of the partnership in the neighborhood," she said. In Pomona, officials stressed that the event's value was getting residents to see themselves as an important part of the fight against crime. Such commitment is a key ingredient in the city's soon-to-be-finished Youth & Family Master Plan -- its blueprint for steering young people away from crime. Mayor Norma Torres, who planned to stop at several of the city's festivities, praised it as a way to help neighbors realize the importance of being connected. "It's a wonderful thing when the residents can get together and acknowledge Neighborhood Watch and the effort that they make to keep our communities safe," she said. By providing a way for neighbors to get acquainted with each other and the police, the event fosters more cooperation and community pride, she said. Neighborhoods that are united to report crimes and prevent them before they happen can play a key role in helping the city's understaffed police department get a handle on the crime problem, she said. Pomona has one officer for every 875 residents. The national average is one for every 435. "We're never going to have enough police," Torres said. "We'll never be able to put a police officer on every corner. This is one way to help watch out and keep our community safe." Councilman Dan Rodriguez said the event's success has been proven by the way it has grown over the years. His district used to have two locations hosting celebrations. Tuesday it had five, he said. The event has helped to spawn local Neighborhood Watch groups and allowed residents to build trust with police officers, he said. "That trust alone, and the relationships that come out of this, are just huge," Rodriguez said. In Pomona, 16 meetings were held throughout the city. Each consisted of potlucks, music, dancing, games and an overall celebration of community. "Events like this will encourage the neighborhood watch," said Lyn Ibanez, community service officer with the Pomona Police Dep Unit. For one night, about 50 residents near Angela and Chanslor streets were invited to forget about the crime that surrounds their neighborhood and play musical chairs with each other. "There is a little bit of hope for this area," Ibanez said. "There is always hope."
###