National Night Out Brings Orange County Together

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Community gatherings were planned across the Orange County Tuesday evening as residents get together with police officers, sheriff's deputies and elected officials as part of the annual National Night Out crime- prevention event.

The event began three decades ago as a take-back-the-streets campaign spearheaded by residents holding gatherings in a show of community pride.

Over the years, the event has grown to include block parties, parades, movie screenings and picnics, with millions of people taking part across the country.

This is the time of year that emergency and first responders remind residents to lock their doors, turn on their front house lights and join with neighbors, law enforcement and Neighborhood Watch leaders at local neighborhood events.

Activities varied by event but most include food, police, K-9 officer demonstrations, fire displays, live entertainment and a chance to interact with city officials.

In Orange County, National Night Out events were planned in:

• Ladera Ranch: Founder's Park, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Laguna Niguel: Laguna Niguel Elementary, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Mission Viejo: Cordova Park, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Stanton: Stanton Central Park, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Lake Forest: Lake Forest Sports Park, 5 to 8 p.m.
• San Juan Capistrano: Descanso Park, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Villa Park: Villa Park City Hall, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Yorba Linda: Yorba Linda Community Center, 6 to 8 p.m.

Laguna Beach police planned a meet up with the Laguna Beach Fire and Marine Safety Department in the first ever Guns and Hoses Softball game. A free hot dog, chips and drink were to be provided to all in attendance. Gates of the event, held at Laguna Beach High School, were slated to open at 5 p.m.

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.

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