Tuesday, August 5 is America’s 20^th annual "Night out Against Crime." It’s a National happening. All over the United States, concerned citizens are gathering to organize their neighborhoods to combat crime. If you’re hosting a get-together on Tuesday night, August 5 for National Night Out Against Crime, the Neighborhood Watch office will be glad to custom-make your flyers for you and copy them for you to give out. Call the office at 538-8148.

In Rancho Bernardo, Neighbors are getting together on in many different ways for the event. Dessert and coffee, ice cream socials, BBQs, potluck suppers, even progressive parties from one house to another.

Your block captain will be there to talk about the latest information from the Police Storefront, the crime stats from the Neighborhood Watch staff, to pass out new Information Sheets to make sure they are up to date and to deliver the August eNEWS.

In times of emergency, it is a good thing for neighbors to know about the needs of others, particularly the elderly and disabled who may need supplies and medicines. Also, all emergency contacts outside of the San Diego area are vitally important.

What makes this "lights on" night, this symbol, so special is that we know lighting helps to deter crime. And no one can refuse to spend the extra pennies to protect himself and his home. The police have proof that this is one of the biggest deterrents against robbery. Criminals don’t like to visit neighborhoods that have lights on. They want dark areas; remember they carry flashlights. Also, check out the street lighting in your area; don’t forget to report all street lights that need new bulbs or are hidden by tree limbs. Call Gaye at City Services, 538-8070 and ask that a Deficiency Report be sent to the City.

Citizen involvement is essential to combat crime; there can’t be a law enforcement officer on every corner, particularly with the new budget cuts. Neighbors want to learn crime prevention strategies such as home security, personal safety, and operation identification: learn the many community, city, and state resources available.

Remember to attend the Neighborhood Watch informative session on Saturday, July 26 at 9:30 at the Library, 2^nd floor. Neighborhood Watch is being revitalized now that President Bush and the Department of Justice have issued statements over the past year regarding its importance to Homeland Security. We need to be more aware of suspicious happenings, we need to be more involved in order to prevent crime and we need to help our neighbors.

All interested parties are invited to attend the meeting. Bring your thoughts, questions and ideas to these sessions. The Neighborhood Watch staff will be on hand to explain what they do and how it benefits Rancho Bernardo – with your help. There will be many handouts for you to give to your neighbors.