LAKEPORT — Library Park in Lakeport was chocked full of tent canopies of public agencies, children and adults, and police, sheriffs and CHP. Lots of them. National Night Out was a night of fun and getting to know the community and the men and women who protect it. Batman even showed up!
“National Night Out (according to natw.org) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.” It began in 1984 and is observed annually on the first Tuesday of August throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Officer Joe Medici was in the Safety Pup for Kids costume accompanied by Officer Victor Rico. Medici said the muffled words from deep within his costume that, “This is a great publicity event.” Besides being hot in his costume, he also said, “This is where the police and the community can come together, people can see what the local businesses are all about and it’s full of fun activities for the kids.” Activities such as ping-pong, face painting, decorating bicycles for competition, wrestling, boxing, meeting Batman, and meeting law enforcement officers.
McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog from the Victim Witness Division of Lake County District Attorney also showed up to interact with the children.
Batman was a big hit with both children and adults as they gathered around him and the Bat Mobile. Even Chief Brad Rasmussen got his picture taken with Batman, gripping hands in a superhero handshake.
Kari Hanson from Redwood Community Service was in their booth. She was excited to get the word out about RCS and said, “Lake County has a great need for resource (aka foster) parents. If anyone is interested they can contact RCS at https://redwoodcommunityservices.org.”
Rasmussen said that 35 booths of public agencies were at National Night Out. “I’m impressed with the amount of turnout from the public. I appreciate the support of the businesses and agencies and organizations giving out information.”
Some of the agencies included: American Red Cross, Lakeport Police Department, Lakeport Public Works, CHP Clearlake, Lakeport Tribal Health, Lake County Sheriffs Office, Lake County Child Welfare, Lake Family Resource Center, Special Needs Advocacy, Parent Support, Lake County Office of Education, County of Lake Health Services, Lake County Department of Social Services, to name a few.
People were walking around with water bottles donated by Paradise Skate. Popcorn from Lakeport Cinema 5, and hotdogs from Grocery Outlet. Kmart gave out 85 pizzas divided into single slices from Little Caesars Pizza.
Former Mr. Lake County Gary Deas smiled his Lake County smile when he said he was “Awed by the turn out of participants. It’s a great show and a lot of stuff for the kids to do.”
Paradise Skate’s Jeff Warrenburg said, “I just think this is a great, successful event for family and kids and especially the cops, who always give back to the community.”
Melissa Fulton of the Chamber of Commerce in their tent, said, “National Night Out is put on by the city. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together. It’s good for the kids to see the police as their friends.”
Pascal Hue from Marcel’s French Bakery and Cafe walked around getting his bingo card stamped by each booth. He donated two bikes for the giveaway. “I love community outreach,” he said, “and Chief Rasmussen was very pleased when I donated the bikes.” He stopped at the CHP Clearlake booth. There, volunteer Larry Israel, head of senior CHP volunteers, spoke about how he was there to recruit volunteers for all of Lake County. When asked if the volunteers get a car, he said, “Yes, of course.” The senior volunteers have to be over 55 years of age and for those who want to join the program, contact him at lawrence.israel.chp.ca.gov
Lakeport Mayor Tim Barnes welcomed three new officers to the Lakeport PD; officers John Reynolds, Melissa Bedford and Ryan Cooley. Barnes thanked the public for “passing Measure Z, which allowed the Lakeport PD to be fully staffed.”
Barnes also said to the crowd, “This event is about creating strong relationships in a positive environment with law enforcement personnel and each other. When we take the time, as you all have done tonight, to begin those relationships, we create the community we crave. A community that takes care of one another and is safe to live in and raise a family in.”
Tina Scott, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors, who always shows up at these community events, brought eight of her 10 children. Her son Gavin, said, “I like it. It’s what brings families together.” His mother said, “I just love coming out with the community engaged.”
