For several years, Seal Beach has participated in the National Night Out event from 6 p.m. to sunset, This year it will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Since its inception in Seal Beach, the host location has been in Old Town at the intersection at Main and Ocean in Old Town. As of this year, it is moving to the Target Center’s northern parking lot area.
The Seal Beach Police Foundation president, Marc Loopesko said, “The Foundation is proud to have its first official public participation and outreach at the National Night Out on Tuesday August 5th.” He continued, “our board members will be there to launch the Seal Beach Police Foundation and welcome the entire community to engage with us at this wonderful event which draws all of Seal Beach together.”
The relocation of the event makes sense to increase participation and expand the reach of the event.
Target is also a key sponsor, who every year has donated $1,000 to produce the event. Chief Joe Stilinovich said, “the police department has been proud to be the agency which has facilitated National Night Out.
“The event is truly in alignment with the mission of the Foundation, and the police department will continue to participate at the same or even greater level now that Foundation is involved.” Ralph’s also provides significant sponsorship and support.
The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
According to National Association of Town Watch website, which is the non-profit that started the event, “National Night Out now involves over 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.”
It continued, “the traditional ‘lights on’ campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities including, but not limited to, block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from emergency personnel, rallies and marches, exhibits, youth events, safety demonstrations and seminars, in effort to heighten awareness and enhance community relations.”
The Foundation has identified National Night Out as one of several key events, which will be now produced in partnership between the police department, City of Seal Beach and the Foundation.
The Foundation will be unveiling the new membership program for all community members to participate together.
Gina Phillips, board secretary and also the chair of membership said, “this is a great time to have everyone support our police department and know that these memberships will go directly to provide resources and tools that the police don’t have currently. Stop by our booth at National Night Out and sign up or just learn more.”
Foundation direction, Scott Newton, a member of the membership committee, also indicated that there was an ongoing process to develop corporate sponsors like Target, which would also be welcome.
He said, “as of right now, we have a membership level for individuals based on the ranks of individual officers. Our corporate program will be based on the police departments medals of honor. Participation in these levels will result in direct benefit to the Foundation, and thus the police department.”
During National Night Out the Foundation will be present for more information and to encourage membership by community members, business sponsors and groups. For more information, contact Sgt. Phil Gonshak via email to pgonshak@sealbeachca.
