LAKE COUNTY >> National Night Out returns to Lake County on August 1, expanding this year from a single location to other communities.
Lakeport has been hosting National Night Out (NNO) for almost five years, with one notable exception. In 2015, with firefighters burdened by the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley Fires, city officials canceled the event.
This year Lakeport will hold its festivities again, joined by Clearlake and Middletown.
The nationwide event brings local safety officials, first responders, community leaders and residents together to create partnerships, give safety tips and encourage Neighborhood Watch groups. Organizations that are involved include police officers, city staff and council members, CHP and the Fire Protection District.
But it is also intended as a fun family gathering.
City Manager of Lakeport Margaret Silveira said there will be a free raffle for prizes, food and face painting at the NNO in Lakeport.
There will also be a bicycle decorating contest in Lakeport that kids are encouraged to participate in. Silveira said they can either decorate their bicycles at home or there will be items at the event they can use.
After they finish, there will be a parade for the kids to show off their artistry and be judged to see who wins.
Still, the purpose of NNO is serious.
“What stops people from getting their house broken into is knowing that there are neighbors watching and if they see something unusual or out of the ordinary they call the police,” Silveira pointed out.
Chief of the Lakeport Police Department Brad Rasmussen said he hopes for a turnout of 300 to 400 people at the event, even with Clearlake and Middletown’s participation. He added this is not a competition between the three because they offer the same opportunity for their communities.
“This just gives other people in the county the opportunity to participate in the event and get a chance to build partnerships in their area,” Rasmussen said. “Having a Neighborhood Watch is just one of the ways we keep communication.”
The events are funded through the various safety official departments and sponsorship from local businesses and organizations.
Greg Folsom, City Manager of Clearlake, said putting on this event follows the Strategic Plan they incorporated to make the city a safer place and allows them to do so in a safe, non-threatening way.
“We hope that this is a positive event that builds trust and confidence in our Police Department and leads to a more proactive citizenry in helping to solve and reduce crime,” Folsom said.
NNO is a free event and open to the public. Each place will have their own free raffling and prizes for the community.
It starts at 6 p.m. and will be at Esplanade Street in Lakeport, Highlands Park in Clearlake and the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center in Middletown.
