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Crime-fighting event set in Oak Park
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More from Public SafetyLocal officials will visit participating neighborhoods during the third annual National Night Out Against Crime, according to members of the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council.
From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2, representatives of various departments and boards will visit even small groups of households, MAC chairman Jay Kapitz said.
Last year, six Oak Park neighborhoods signed up, and "this year we want even more," said Kapitz, who has invited those without get-togethers in their areas to a front yard potluck party he and wife Linda are hosting at their home, 6481 Smoketree Ave.
Kapitz said the Night Out event is held worldwide to strengthen neighborhoods through police-community partnerships. The goal is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs, and notify criminals "our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back."
"It's also the perfect opportunity to get to know your neighbors even better," he said.
Representatives attending the events will be from the sheriff's and fire departments; Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, which covers the unincorporated Oak Park area; Board of Supervisors; school board; and the MAC, he said.
"Just hand out fliers to your neighbors, set up some chairs on your driveway or front lawn and potluck the rest," Kapitz said.
Last year's National Night Out project involved businesses and civic groups and others; 34 million people from more than 10,000 communities in the U.S., its territories, Canada and military bases, Kapitz said.
To sign up your neighborhood, to RSVP to the Kapitz party starting at 4:30 p.m., or to learn more about National Night Out Against Crime, contact Kapitz at 818-889-1039 or e-mail j_kapitz@yahoo.com.
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