Beverly Press Park Labrea News: Communities unite for National Night Out
Hundreds of people gathered in Pan Pacific Park on Aug. 5 for National Night Out Against Crime hosted by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division.
Music played, kids enjoyed a bounce house and games and community members mingled with police officers. Pink’s Hot Dogs, Rocco’s Neighborhood Pizza and Chick-Fil-A served food, and booths offered information about city services and service providers.
Capt. Mike Rippe, commanding officer of the Wilshire Division, said National Night Out Against Crime is an important event that promotes solidarity between the community and the police department. Personnel at the station look forward every year to National Night Out, held annually nationwide on the first Tuesday of August.
“National Night Out is about everyone coming together, talking to each other, breaking bread, realizing who the people are that really support the community. It’s a huge thing,” Rippe said. “The community aspect of it has increased so much. We’ve solved so many more problems working together. You have all these community groups that come together, and they actually seek out problem solving strategies. That, to me, is huge.”
Formerly held in Poinsettia Park, the Wilshire Division’s National Night Out event moved this year to a larger space in Pan Pacific Park. Eric Calhoun, senior park director, said it is the perfect location for a community event, as the park attracts a large number of local residents. Calhoun added that it facilitates promotion of the many community-centered programs offered at Pan Pacific Park, including fall youth sports leagues. Registration opens this weekend at laparks.org, he added.
“I’ve been working really hard to build this really good relationship with LAPD, and with running one of the biggest parks in the city, safety and security is always my priority. So I have an amazing relationship with the Wilshire Division and I think it was a no brainer for both of us,” Calhoun said. “We’re so central – not just central to Los Angeles but central to the district, central to the Wilshire Division. I think it really opens it up to get more community members engaged with our police officers.”
Gary Jacoby, a resident of Downtown Los Angeles, said he traveled to the National Night Out event in the Wilshire area.
“I’ve been coming out to this area the last 10 years and I think they’ve got some great things for National Night Out,” Jacoby said. “It’s a lot of fun. I try to come every year.”
“I like communal events. It’s great to see the dogs, support the LAPD. It’s a nice event,” added Josh B., who said he works in the Fairfax District. “It’s great to just be out and enjoying the sunshine.”
Park La Brea resident Alex Kim stopped by with his young son Aiden, who received an honorary badge.
“I come to the park a lot and didn’t know it was happening. It’s great to see all the officers,” Kim said.
Officer Yolanda Rea, who oversees the Wilshire Division’s Cadet Program, encouraged youth to apply. She said it teaches leadership skills and prepares them for life. Cadets receive a leadership certificate from the city of L.A. and the program counts as community service toward college admission. To join the Cadet Program, call the Community Relations Office at (213)473-0220.
National Night Out Against Crime events were also held in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. West Hollywood marked the city’s 42nd annual National Night Out with block parties throughout the city. The West Hollywood Heights Neighborhood Association hosted a Mexican fiesta-themed celebration with food and free giveaways. U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) and West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers attended the celebration.
“We’re only strong as communities in that we take care of each other and to me, that’s what National Night Out is all about,” Friedman said. “Law enforcement and public safety in general, they help people on their worst days.”
“Public safety is about making our community safe, and that’s about a partnership between people in the community and our public safety officers,” Zbur said. “Safer communities are about that dialogue, about understanding each other, not putting each other in boxes and making sure that public safety officers are understanding communities and our communities know who is on the front lines protecting us.”
In Beverly Hills, the National Night Out celebration took place outside City Hall and included family-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon art, food trucks, a SWAT truck display and interactive demonstrations. The celebration was attended by many families, the Beverly Hills Police and Fire Departments and members of the Beverly Hills City Council.
“Public safety is our No. 1 priority. It was amazing seeing everyone at National Night Out,” Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian said. “Thank you to all who joined us for a fun-filled evening with our Beverly Hills Police and Fire Departments. From games and food to great conversations, it was a night that brought our community together in the best way.”
Reporters Tabor Brewster and Sam Mulick contributed to this article.