Oak Park prepares for National Night Out

Don't be concerned if roving gangs are spotted wandering the streets of Oak Park on the night of Aug. 5. They're not turf warriors, nor are they extras for a reshoot of Michael Jackson's "Bad" video.

On Oak Park's third annual National Night Out, people will be turning on porch lights, walking, visiting and holding vigils to "send a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back," according to the national organization.

The Saturday evening event aims to increase public knowledge of local anticrime measures and drug prevention programs. Officials also hope it will foster a better relationship between residents and law enforcement.

"We want to get the communities in Oak Park together with block parties and give residents a chance to get to know one another," said Jay Kapitz, a member of the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council. "It's a great way to address both safety and community issues."

Last year, more than 10,000 communities in the United States and its territories and military bases worldwide participated in the quiet protest against lawlessness and intimidation. More than 34 million people took part.

Besides helping to deter crime, which in Oak Park typically consists of teenage pranks, the national event also offers residents an opportunity to get to know their neighbors, officials said.

National Night Out activities in other communities have included block parties, cookouts, visits from local police and sheriff's departments, parades, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs.

"We're still hoping to get a lot more communities in Oak Park signed up for the event," Kapitz said. "If neighborhoods organize

block parties, officials such as Supervisor Linda Parks and the Ventura County deputies are sure to show up and introduce themselves to residents."

Oak Park's National Night Out is sponsored by a number of area businesses including Pizza Hut, Domino's and Roundtable Pizza, Quizno's Subs, Starbucks, Ralphs, Albertsons, Four Star Printing, Trader Joe's and others.

For more information about Oak Park's National Night Out, call Kapitz at (818) 889-1039.