Salinas hosts National Night Out

Communities across the country and on the Central Coast took part in “National Night Out,” Tuesday.

The event is an annual community-building campaign between police and the people they serve.

The event took place at the Salinas Soccer Complex on Constitution Boulevard. It’s more than a dog and pony show, it’s a way to build relationships something those in the community said is needed.
Angelica Lozoya and her son took small steps towards building a better community, they’re going to a National Night Out event in King City.
“He wants to meet the firefighters and the policemen,” said Lozoya.

She wants five-year-old Aaron to be involved in her city by helping to take it back from criminals

“It’s definitely building trust with our law enforcement. There’s a lot of gang violence and I’m definitely worried for my son growing up and getting him involved in sports is really important to me, so for him to stay in a positive is just, it’s important for me to keep him on track and out of that negativity,” said Lozoya.

It’s that mindset that started the campaign more than 30 years ago.

“NNO has been out since 1984 and it started after our residents across the country were tired of crime filtering through their neighborhoods,” said Salinas Police Chief, Adele Frese

The organization started a simple yet symbolic gesture turning on one’s light at their home or business. Now it’s a way to bridge the gap between police and the public by having each other meet under positive circumstances.

Police Chief Adele Frese said issues that concern Salinas residents are not unique to the city, people everywhere have the same ones.

“These are concerns across the entire country and they have been for many years and i think it’s very special that people recognize how important it is to keep this going and keep the symbolism that we’re never going to give up hope, turn on your light, and visit with each other and kind of exchange information,” said Frese.

Exchanging information is a two way street especially when it comes to solving crime. People have said they’re hesitant to report what they know, out of fear or retaliation.

“I think the residents need to have more trust in the police. If they want their area to be policed, they have to have trust in the police. And they have to be willing to come forward when they see things, when they hear things. They can do it anonymously. There’s ways of not putting your name out there to actually do it,” said parent, Jeff Baker.

You don’t have to go to an event like National Night Out, Chief Frese said it can be something on a smaller scale. Host a small gathering with a couple of your neighbors, share information and understand each other’s concerns.