By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Hundreds of people across the Crescenta Valley, Glendale and surrounding areas turned out on Tuesday evening for a chance to get to know their neighbors and safety personnel while enjoying a variety of activities.

The event was National Night Out and, according to its website, it “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.”

One of the locations hosting a NNO event was the CV Sheriff’s Station. Tours of the facilities were offered and members of Montrose Search and Rescue team were on-site, there were several nonprofit information booths dotting the parking lot. These included the CV Fire Safe Council, Prom Plus and the CV Chamber of Commerce. The booths provided information on the various programs in the area with many offering free handouts and fun giveaways. Sheriff deputies were busy at the grill, preparing free hot dogs for the crowd. A car show organized by the Early Rodders was a popular draw with many in awe of the classic cars.

Oakmont Woods residents and members of the Oakmont Woods Residents Association gathered around the pool where several Glendale police officers stopped by. Representatives from the office of State Senator Anthony Portantino also made an appearance as did Tahnee Lightfoot, who works with the City of Glendale Police Dept.-Media Relations/Community Outreach.

At Sunland Park, community members enjoyed a bounce house, information booths and a visit from LAPD.

A potluck and live music greeted members of the Sycamore Woods neighborhood who gathered at the CVWD Glenwood Water Treatment Plant for NNO. CVWD provided tables, linens and chairs for the event with many staff members staying on-site. According to organizer Julia Leeper, this was the 11th annual NNO for the neighborhood. She praised fellow organizers including Penny Keaton, who went door-to-door with bags of homemade cookies to entice people to the event and invite them to bring a dish for the potluck.

“I didn’t get to everyone,” Keaton said, “but those I did welcomed the chance to participate in NNO.”

Sycamore Woods resident Kathy Dorsey has been to prior NNO events at the CVWD facilities.

“This type of community event reminds us to talk to our neighbors,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to get together in a relaxed way.”

Grant Michals is a neighbor and an active citizen of the City of Glendale. He sits on the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission and is president of the Montrose/Verdugo City/Sparr Heights Residents And Homeowners Association. He said he makes a point to come to the NNO event each year.

Nyssa Brown brought her family including her 1-month old daughter Hazel who didn’t find the event that exciting as she slept through most of it. Brown recently moved to the neighborhood.

“This is my first time at a NNO event,” she said. “It’s a good way to meet neighbors.”

Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and City Councilmember Paula Devine also stopped by as did members of the Glendale Police and Fire departments.

Najarian praised the Sycamore Woods neighbors who came out for the annual event.

“NNO gives you a sense of community,” he said. “We’re lucky to have it.”

To see more photos, visit www.cvweekly.com/NEWS.

Photos by Leonard COUTIN, Robin GOLDSWORTHY and Mary O’KEEFE

  robin goldsworthy