National Night Out Events in Dana Point, and across Orange County

DANA POINT, CA—According to the minds behind National Night Out it's been a tough couple of months for those standing on the thin blue line.

"Tonight, citizens and law enforcement across the nation will come together to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie," National Night Out said on their facebook page. "Reach out to your neighbor. Give your officers a pat on the back. And most importantly, let's keep tonight's energy and spirit going throughout the year. Congratulations for what you do for your communities. Make it a great National Night Out."

Dozens of block parties will be held across Orange County tonight as residents gather with police officers, sheriff's deputies and elected officials as part of the annual National Night Out crime-prevention event. All outdoor events are from 5 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted below:

• Dana Point - at Sea Canyon Park - 33093 Santiago Dr.
• Laguna Hills - at Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex - 25555 Alicia Parkway
• Laguna Niguel - at Laguna Niguel Elementary School - 27922 Niguel Heights Blvd.
• Lake Forest - from 4 to 8 p.m. - at Sports Park and Recreation Center - 28000 Rancho Parkway
• Mission Viejo - Target Parking Lot - 25601 Jeronimo Road
• Villa Park - from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at Villa Park City Hall - 17855 Santiago Blvd.
• Yorba Linda - from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center

Do you enjoy walking your dogs around your neighborhood? The National Dog Walker Watch team is looking for someone just like you.

"Dozens, if not hundreds, of dog walkers throughout the community at all times of the day, all days of the week, in all weather conditions, who are often preoccupied with texting, chatting, emailing, and listening to music during their neighborhood walks. Dog Walker Watch trains these individuals how to effectively observe and report suspicious activity," according to the National Night Out website.

With more people out than ever, playing Pokemon Go! at local parks and businesses, the National Night Out in many areas have promised Pokemon Go! stops and lures at their National Night Out events.

Learn how to be observant, to prevent crime in your neighborhood and meet motor deputies, members of the bomb squad and K-9 units, as well as mounted patrol officers. Home safety will play a big factor, with representatives from Ring and ADT on hand. Discussions will take place on emergency preparedness, traffic safety, drug abuse and prevention. Also a fun community activity, expect music, face painting and games.

"We look forward to the residents of Orange County to come out and enjoy the festivities in this fun and educational evening," the Orange County Sheriff's Department said in release.

As many as 38 million people across the country are expected to take part in National Night Out activities. The event initially began more than 30 years ago with a call for people to hold small public gatherings in a take-back- the-streets show of community pride.

Residents are encouraged to head outside, turn on their front house lights and join with neighbors, law enforcement and Neighborhood Watch leaders at local neighborhood events.

Activities vary by event but generally include free food, police and fire displays, live entertainment and a chance to interact with city officials.

Started in 1984, National Night Out is billed as "America's night out against crime."

It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored by local municipalities and law enforcement agencies nationwide.

More information is available at www.nationalnightout.org.

Photo, Pixabay