Celebrate National Night Out, officer suggests

By Jessica King

On Tuesday, National Night Out will be celebrated from coast to coast but not in Ramona.

That is unless residents take local authorities’ suggestion and host their own crime prevention parties.

“With the (recent) rash of home burglaries in the Estates, we have people being a little more vigilant but it’s important that stays that way all the time,” said Crime Prevention Specialist Barbara Wallace of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. “We strongly encourage people in Ramona to get together as a reminder.”

The Pennsylvania-based National Association of Town Watch founded National Night Out in 1984. Now in its 29th year, the event centers on residents spending an evening together outside their homes one night a year to send a message to criminals that the streets belong to the community, not the crooks. Local law enforcement officers also typically join residents in show of solidarity.

Throughout San Diego County, several cities and unincorporated areas have planned official events on Aug.7. Planned events include cookouts, games, and other block party-type fare.

Wallace said Ramona has never officially celebrated the event for logistics reasons but that doesn’t mean residents can’t talk to their neighbors and organize their own parties.

Wallace hopes to figure out how to host an official National Night Out party in Ramona next year.

Anyone in Ramona needing guidance on how to throw a National Night Out party is free to call Wallace at 760-738-2425. More information is also at www.nationalnightout.org.