National Night Out events planned Aug. 3 throughout East County are part of a nationwide push to strengthen police and community relations. As part of this effort, National Night Out offers an opportunity for local communities to organize events that promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help make neighborhoods safer.
For neighborhoods such as Vintage Parkway in Oakley, National Night Out has become a regular event promoted by residents, businesses, and police departments. Laura Medina, a real estate agent and homeowner in Vintage Parkway, began hosting the neighborhood’s event five years ago.
“I wanted to have a great neighborhood where you know your neighbors, to be able to help each other, to know the challenges of our neighborhood, but most importantly, to have a safe neighborhood for our kids,” said Medina, a 15-year Vintage Parkway resident.
As with years past, Medina has invited the Oakley Police Department and Fire Station 93 to attend, meet and talk with residents. She is also setting up games for the children and prizes, pizza by the slice, drinks and cookies for all those who attend. The event for neighborhood residents and police will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 3 in the park behind Vintage Parkway Elementary School.
The Antioch Police Department is also hosting an event of their own to take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 3 at 300 L St. on the lawn in front of their headquarters. Antioch police are encouraging neighborhoods within the city of Antioch also to set up National Night Out events, spreading the word on Facebook about the meaning behind the event.
“National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances,” the department’s post reads. For more information, call 925-779-6900.
As in years past, the Pittsburg Police Department is also hosting their annual National Night Out event in Small World Park at 2551 Harbor St. in Pittsburg. The free event from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 3 will offer free hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks. Those attending can also take advantage of the Small World Park rides and crawdad fishing.
Also on hand will be police K-9 officers, a SWAT team, police motorcycles and fire trucks. There will also be demonstrations of the police CSI drone, other exhibitors, and a DJ and music. For more information, call the Pittsburg Police Department at 925-252-4980.
Brentwood Community Chorus: Now that the county has relaxed COVID restrictions, the Brentwood Community Chorus is getting back together and encouraging new membership.
“Choral singing has been proven to boost your mood, reduce stress and improve your health and overall well-being,” said chorus member Cindy Tumin. “You can enjoy all this and more by joining The Brentwood Community Chorus.”
The chorus is under the direction of music master Susan Stuart. The group meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. Auditions are not required to join the Brentwood Community Chorus, and all ages are welcome.
The new session will begin Aug. 17, and masks are required for all rehearsals. There is no registration fee for the fall session, but participants must purchase their own music. For more information or to register, visit brentwoodcommunitychorus.com online.
Roni Gehlke can be reached at oakleynow@comcast.net.
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Author: Roni Gehlke