VALLEY TO TAKE AIM AT CRIME.Byline: ANGIE VALENCIA-MARTINEZ Staff Writer San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. residents will gather tonight at various take-back- our-neighborhood events that bring police and neighbors together to fight crime. National Night Out will be held at locations across Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. to heighten community awareness and strengthen participation in Neighborhood Watch groups and other local anticrime an·ti·crime adj. Intended to curb or eradicate criminal activity: an anticrime bill; anticrime efforts in the neighborhoods. activities. In the Valley, events include picnics, block parties, peace walks, candlelight vigils A candelight vigil is an outdoor assembly of people carrying candles, held after sunset. Such events are typically held either to protest at the suffering of some marginalized group of people, or in memory of lives lost to some disease, disaster, massacre or other tragedy. and Neighborhood Watch meetings. ``We all come together as one and take a stand against crime in our community,'' said Senior Lead Officer John Smith, who is organizing the North Hollywood program at Laurelgrove Park for the first time in several years. ``It's a way for us to say as a community that we're taking back our streets.'' The annual, national event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, local law enforcement agencies A law enforcement agency (LEA) is a term used to describe any agency which enforces the law. This may be a local or state police, federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). , businesses and community groups, and focuses on the partnership between police officers and community members to reduce crime. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Antonio Ramon Villaraigosa (born Antonio (Tony) Ramon Villar, Jr. on January 23, 1953) is the mayor of Los Angeles, California. He is the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since Cristobal Aguilar in 1872. is scheduled to make an appearance at West Valley Park. The West Valley area, one of seven communities in the nation to be awarded an All Star award by the National Association of Town Watch for their participation, drew in 1,400 people last year. Free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be available. There will be prizes, fingerprinting of children and informational booths. ``It's going to be the best event in Los Angeles,'' said Nancy Sweeney, a member of the organizing committee. ``Come participate and become aware of what's going on What's Going On is a record by American soul singer Marvin Gaye. Released on May 21, 1971 (see 1971 in music), What's Going On reflected the beginning of a new trend in soul music. in your community.'' The theme at West Valley is Stop Crime and every adult in attendance will receive a key chain in the shape of a stop sign with the LAPD's (877) phone number. In Valley Village, residents are invited for a night of food and entertainment followed by a symbolic walk around the neighborhood. ``We want would-be criminals to know that we are going to be watchful,'' said Ginny Hatfield, Valley Village event coordinator. ``This is a good opportunity to form relationships in the community so that in times of disasters you know who people are.'' The following is a list of some of the events in the San Fernando Valley: West Valley Park, corner of Vanowen Street and Wilbur Avenue, Reseda, 6-9 p.m. Laurelgrove Park, corner of Laurelgrove Avenue and Erwin Street, North Hollywood, 6-9 p.m. Andres Pico Adobe, 10940 Brand Boulevard, Mission Hills, 5-8 p.m. Valley Village Park, corner of Magnolia Magnolia, city, United States Magnolia (măgnō`lyə), city (1990 pop. 11,151), seat of Columbia co., SW Ark.; inc. 1855. Its oil industry has been important since 1938. Boulevard and Colfax Avenue Colfax Avenue is the main street that runs east and west through the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area in Colorado. As U.S. Highway 40, it was one of two principal highways serving Denver before the Interstate Highway System was constructed. , Valley Village, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For a list of National Night Out events, go to www.lapdonline.org. angie.valencia(at)dailynews.com (818) 713-3699 |
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