Pacifica Getting Ready for National Night Out

In an effort to combat crime and foster community engagement, Pacifica residents and business owners are being encouraged to participate in National Night Out activities Tuesday, Aug. 6. 

The event is part of a national program launched in 1984 as “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”  The idea is 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. 

In Pacifica, many neighborhood blocks, apartment complexes and businesses annually register to participate in the event which this year will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Activities include ice cream socials, barbecues, games, or just having residents turn on their porch lights. 

“We are really excited to be bringing National Night Out to the block level,” said Pacifica Police Chief Jim Tasa, who added, “This is a great opportunity for neighbors and business communities to get to know each other, and if they aren’t already part of Neighborhood Watch, this will be a perfect time to get it started.” 

Joining the City of Pacifica and its police department in promoting this year’s National Night Out are sponsors Sun Valley Fine Foods and Good Fellows Pizza at Park Mall, Oceana Market and City Arms at Eureka Square, and Rite Aid at the Fairmont Shopping Center. 

This year’s event marks the 30th anniversary of the program. The first year about 2.5 million Americans participated in National Night Out activities across 400 communities in 23 states. Today, the event is expected to involve an estimated 37 million people in 15,000 communities throughout the United States, Canada and selected military bases worldwide.