Council Member Espinoza Wants Laredoans to Embrace the Night
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Oct 2, 2009, 0 Comments
26th Annual National Night Out scheduled for community
(Laredo, TX—October 1, 2009)—Unfamiliar faces. Suspicious activities. Strange vehicles.
These are all clues to possibly criminal activity in your neighborhood. But, how do you know who doesn’t belong or who is doing something they shouldn’t be doing? If you aren’t familiar with who your neighbors are, then that is a perfect environment for crime to flourish.
But not next Tuesday night.
That evening, Tuesday, October 6 is the 26th anniversary of National Night Out (in Texas only), designed to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Hoping to reinforce this message to not only her constituents and the entire Laredo community, but also, to any criminals who may be watching, Council Member Cindy Liendo Espinoza is hosting a free Night Out Street Fair at the Laredo Civic Center parking lot, 2400 San Bernado from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., open to the entire community.
“I want people to be proactive and also, partners in fighting crime in our community,” said Espinoza. “I don’t mean I expect them to put themselves in harm’s way, but rather, to be the police department’s eyes and ears on the ground. So, turn on the porch light, come out, meet your neighbors, talk to local law enforcement officials, have fun and fight crime!” she added.
Indeed, the night’s events include a vast array of activities and information that will be offered by local law enforcement officials, including featuring the Laredo Police Department with various activities for the whole family. The SWAT team will be there, but they will also offer finger printing of young children and have a Command Station vehicle at the event so kids can get on and see what it’s all about. Joining Laredo’s finest will be Laredo’s bravest, the Laredo Fire Department with a fire engine at the event, as well as EMS. Not to be left out, Constable Rudy Rodriguez, Crime Stoppers and Customs, Border Protection and ICE officials will be there, all presenting what it is they do to protect the community, and how citizens can help reinforce their efforts.
If that is not enough to entice residents, what about food, music or games? All of this, and more, will be offered. Mascots galore will also be present for a Laredo’s Mascots Got Talent, including McGruff, Scruffy, Buddy, Pat, Reader Bear and everyone’s favorite green mascots, Willie Bote, the Green Guardian, and H2O Joe, who both do their best to protect our environment. Many other mascots are welcome to participate.
There will also be information and game booths by several local non-profit organizations, including the South Texas Food Bank, Southpaw Boxing, Teens in the Driver’s Seat, Boys and Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Literacy Volunteers, Ruth B. Cowl, TMC, VITA, Justices of the Peace Oscar and Hector Liendo, City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas and Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr. City of Laredo departments represented will include 9-1-1-, El Metro, Community Development, Keep Laredo Beautiful, the Laredo Public Library and the Parks & Leisure Services Department.
Still not enough? How about throwing in the various musical performances from high school bands and mariachi, as well as cheerleader and dance performances, as well? Don’t forget, everything is free!
“The idea is to take back the night and let criminals know that we will not tolerate their activity or presence in our community,” concluded Espinoza.
Target is the national sponsor for the event.
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PARTICIPATING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES:
Laredo Police Department – Laredo Fire Department – Sheriff Martin Cuellar – Constable Rudy Rodriguez – I.C.E. – Customs – Border Patrol
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:
United Way – South Paw Boxing-Exhibition – Laredo Webb NHS – Habitat for Humanity – Laredo Animal Protective Society – VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) – Literacy Volunteers of America – Boys & Girls Club – City of Laredo Community Development – Keep Laredo Beautiful – LISD Crime Stoppers – Teens in the Driver’s Seat – Laredo Crime Stoppers – Workforce Solutions for South Texas – Laredo Main Street – Ruthe B. Cowl – Early Childhood Intervention Program – TMC Healthy Marriage Development – City of Laredo 311 – South Texas Food Bank – Mercy Mobile Clinic – Sister Rosemary
Chick-Fil-A – Target
PARTICIPATING MASCOTS:
Martin High School – LBJ High School – United South High School – Laredo HEAT Fuego – Laredo Broncos – TAMIU Dusty – 911 Red E. Fox – LISD Crime Stoppers Buster – Laredo Public Library Reader Bear – Solid Waste Services Willie Bote – El Metro Felix the Bus – Utilities H2O Joe – Fire Department Sparky – Police Department McGruff – Chick-Fil-A Cow
