Watsonville National Night Out
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) It's the one night of the year when officers hang out with people from the community they help protect in an effort to foster a good relationship and strengthen neighborhood safety
For National Night Out officers were scattered across the city reaching different neighborhoods. The GHWR Youth Center, just off Main Street, was one out of nine locations. Each had activities, food, music, and opportunities to get to know Watsonville Police Officers.
“It’s a great thing for the community. We love coming out here,” said Ruban Cortez
National Night Out helps neighbors and law enforcement interact with each other to build stronger trust.
“It's a time to show them, hey we're people too. We’re here to help you. We’re your friends. We’re here to network with you and help solve some of these issues,” mentioned Watsonville Police Sergeant, Rudy Lopez.
Along with a demonstration from Watsonville Police K-9, Axel. National Night Out is a time where people can come together and voice their concerns about specific issues, big or small. Neighbors can connect with law enforcement outside of an emergency. In Aptos this event can be considered as part of the healing process after a recent deadly stabbing at Aptos High School.
“Any time you have a tragic event like Aptos, you know, people start to question their safety.”
“Any time you have a tragic event like Aptos, you know, people start to question their safety,” Sergeant Lopez
The event also gives people the chance to connect, not just with their police department, but also with services available to them, such as non-profits in their area.
“It lets people get a look at what’s offered. The support services that you see out here that are advertising what they do, outreach for the youth,” Kirt Vojvoda, Battalion Chief and Fire Marshall Watsonville Fire.
The Watsonville Fire Department and City Council members were also among those joining in on the festivities, many are just happy to see people out.
“It’s been a tough year and a half with the pandemic. It’s once again important to just celebrate our neighborhoods,” Ari Parker, District 7 City Council Member.
National Night Out usually takes place the first Tuesday in August, but with COVID uncertainties it was postponed to October.
