By Vera GARABEDIAN and Ruth SOWBY

A resident one once brushed shoulders with, a barista from Starbucks, the cashier at Ralph’s, and the deputy who maintains public safety all congregated at the same place.

On Aug. 5, community members gathered to honor and celebrate first responders at National Night Out (NNO). Celebrations were found at several places around town including the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station at 4554 Briggs Ave. The focal point of NNO is to foster fellowship between residents and those who protect and serve, such as local law enforcement. The events were open to the public and gave residents the chance to familiarize themselves with various local organizations and converse with friends and neighbors.

The sheriff’s station event included raffles with prizes, a showcase of vintage cars, freshly grilled hot dogs and a place to feel united with the community. 

With the help of his team, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. Deputy Brian Chun organized the event for community members of all ages to enjoy.

“We want to interact just as much with the community as we do enforcing laws and doing patrol,” said Dep. Chun. “We do have the same amount of interest in talking to people and making sure [they know] that we’re really here for them.”

NNO is more than just recognizing those who serve; it is a day for members of the community to come together. 

“We all put our pants on the same way,” said Ken Sapper, the owner of a vintage car displayed and a regular at the event. Meeting new people and getting to know a neighbor’s story is what attendees additionally look forward to. 

“Zero Hunger, Zero Waste” was the motto printed on the shirts of Ralph’s volunteers who were at the sheriff’s station event. District Hiring Specialist Lili Karmand emphasized that the phrase represents the company’s goal within the community. Two hundred and fifty to 300 bags were filled with drinks and snacks for attendees to freely take. 

“We like to be shoulder-to-shoulder with the community,” said Karmand. Ralph’s is a returning company at NNO and consistently aims to give back to first responders. 

Starbucks, another company with a local location, provided iced coffee, apple juice, passion tea and green tea to quench guests’ thirst. Aside from beverages, free entry was offered for a raffle with cups and drinks as prizes. 

“We wanted to partner our relationships with first responders, do community outreach … and give back,” said Paola Aguayo, who is the store manager for the Starbucks located at Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard. 

In addition to businesses, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) had a booth at the event. “Service before self is the aspect I have within myself,” said Officer Bryan Bay. 

“CHP is not there to just give out tickets, but [also] help families get to where they’re going safely,” said Bay. The booth offered informational brochures for guests to educate themselves on roadway protection. 

Glendale’s largest venue to hold National Night Out was buzzing with city officials and community members who live on and around 501 S. Pacific Ave. Held between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, the park was full of play equipment and booths offering everything from free food to the ever-popular face painting to information about neighborhood safety.     

At Pacific Park & Community Center in Glendale, members of the Glendale police and fire departments made themselves available for photos and schmoozing. Mom Valentyna Salnikova lined up a few of Glendale finest with daughter Olexandra, 5, and friend Ava Avanesyan, 5, for a quick snap. Olexandra had already visited the face-painting booth and planned to scale the rock climbing wall.    

This community-driven event was a chance for neighbors to connect, share concerns and discuss strategies for safer neighborhoods. 

Photos by Vera GARABEDIAN, Mary O’KEEFE and RUTH SOWBY