Politics & Government
Police and Community Step Up to Fight Against Crime
Van Nuys Community Police Station Hosted 28th Annual National Night Out at Valley Civic Center Tuesday Night
Hundreds of locals gathered on Tuesday night for The 28th Annual National Night Out at the Van Nuys Civic Center. Dozens of officers from the police station joined forces with members of the community to take a stand against crime and raise awareness.
Booths were giving away free hot dogs, popcorn, sodas and pamphlets on helping families prepare for emergencies. Children bounced on a “jumping castle,” slurped on snow cones and had fun while learning valuable information.
“It’s a good way to get kids to come out,” said Sha Newman, member of Community Police Advisory Board, C-PAB, a group that acts as liaison between LAPD and the citizens to strengthen lines of communication. “We have to step up to keep our neighborhoods safe. Police can’t do it alone. They need the help of the people.”
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It was the first year that the Van Nuys NNO held the event in one location. The local events are held every year on Aug. 2 throughout thousands of cities across North America.
“This is a great turnout,” said Derek Waleko, President of Van Nuys Neighborhood Council. “We didn’t know what to expect, but we’re very happy to have the community’s help in raising awareness.”
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The Sherman Oaks City Council set up a booth on earthquake safety, LAPD had brochures and fliers about new cell phone laws, family violence, stalkers and drugs.
People sported “I love Van Nuys” pins and watched the Captain of the Quarter Awards ceremony, honoring Capt. William Eaton, the Van Nuys LAPD commander who died of cancer in January at the age of 44.
“Everyone important is here,” said Penny Meyer, C-PAB and neighborhood council member. “The local community is here.”
Senior Lead Officer George Aguilar of the LAPD's Van Nuys Community Police Station, just under two months shy of retirement, took over the DJ booth and played music from the 1960s. When asked if he is anticipating his retirement, he jumped up from the DJ chair, pulled out his phone and held it up. The display showed a Days To Retirement countdown.