Food, fun and family activities were a big part of the 35th annual National Night Out Against Crime in the local area on Aug. 7, but the main focus was on coming together with law enforcement and presenting a united front against crime.

Councilman Paul Koretz flipped burgers at the National Night Out Against Crime event at Poinsettia Park. He was joined by LAPD West Bureau Commander Robert Marino. (photo by Edwin Folven)

“This is about community and continuing to build relationships,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli, who joined officers, firefighters, representatives of city departments and hundreds of residents at Beverly Hills’ National Night Out in the city’s civic center. “This is an opportunity for the community to come together and have interaction and talk with police officers. They are getting to know them on a personal level.”

The event included booths with information about city resources, an antique fire truck for photo ops, an earthquake simulator and a children’s rock-climbing wall. Many visitors mingled with first responders.

“It’s great to see what the city is doing,” said Rabbi Simchat Green, a retiree who moved to Beverly Hills from Berkeley two years ago. “Beverly Hills is an amazing area. I am very impressed with what the city is doing.”

In West Hollywood, residents gathered at block parties and barbecues also attended by sheriff’s deputies and fire department personnel.

“National Night Out was established with the intent to promote law enforcement-community partnerships to make our neighborhoods safer places to live,” said Capt. Sergio Aloma, commanding officer of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. I strongly believe that the partnership between the local sheriff’s station and our neighbors will serve to help us positively impact crime in our neighborhoods.”

Beverly Hills police officers came out in force for the National Night Out event, including Chief Sandra Spagnoli (right). (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles Police Department observed National Night Out at events throughout the city, including the Hollywood Community Police Station and in the Wilshire Division at Poinsettia Park.

“Thank you to all our wonderful community partners that came out to join in the fun,” Hollywood Division Capt. Cory Palka said. “Great turnout and best year ever.”

At Poinsettia Park, Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, flipped burgers, met with residents and officers, and commended law enforcement for keeping the area safe. A homeless encampment near the park had recently caused concern because of crimes people staying there allegedly committed in the surrounding area such as trespassing, thefts and drug use.

“Public safety is my number one priority,” Koretz said. “I know this area has faced some challenges lately. First of all, homelessness is not a crime … but what we were experiencing was far beyond people in need. It’s unacceptable to me and unacceptable to the LAPD. We sat down and I told them I want a zero-tolerance approach to crimes committed by transients.”

Senior Lead Officer Tim Estevez, who has been assigned to the Melrose District on an interim basis, said police will continue to monitor the area to prevent problems from reoccurring. Members of the command staff from the Wilshire Division and the LAPD’s West Bureau also attended and said the event is meaningful in the overall goal of preventing crime.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, meet and greet, and to get connected to community services and meet the people behind those services,” said Capt. Aaron McCraney, commanding officer of patrol for the Wilshire Division. “It’s a great show of support.”

Senior Lead Officer Tim Estevez welcomed residents at the National Night Out Against Crime event at Poinsettia Park. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Shelby Blecker, a Melrose District resident since 1965, said National Night Out is an important event that he looks forward to each year.

“Because we don’t know who our neighbors are,” Blecker said. “It gives us a chance to meet neighbors and gives us a chance to get direct contact with first responders. You come here and meet them face to face. It’s nice.”