The Neighborhood News Online

United Neighbors Against Crime

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Category: Community News

Published on Tuesday, 06 October 2009 10:40

Written by Mason Bendewald

It was a perfect summer evening - a warm breeze ran down 18th Street as my girlfriend, neighbors and I walked to our City District 10 Council Office on Western. All over the city neighbors were getting together for the annual National Night Out March Against Crime event. As residents looked on I imagined them wondering what a march could  really do against crime. Well it brings the law abiding citizens together, gives us a chance to find out new ways to help keep our neighborhood safe and sends a clear message through our signs….”DIVERSE AND UNIFIED”, “YOUTH - A POSITIVE FORCE” and “FAMILIES AGAINST CRIME”.

Moments later we arrived at the CD10 parking lot which was already filling up with neighborhood residents of all ages - LAPD’s top brass was there too. We were welcomed by Captain Matt Black representing the new Olympic Division,  Captain Eric Davis from Wilshire Division, LAPD Deputy Chief Terry Hara, and our own Senior Lead Officer Thongin Muy who spearheaded the event. The officers that serve our community are among the most polite and approachable civil servants you’d ever hope to meet. Their speeches were short, heartfelt and their message simple “We are here for you”. They encouraged us to tour the precincts and get more involved. I’m considering sitting in on the Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB). And there are other opportunities to work with the LAPD such as Station Assistance,  Jeopardy Youth Programs,  Crisis Response Teams,  Detective Assistance and Community Service Centers - and there’s your own Neighborhood Block  Club.

Two mounted bicycle officers stopped traffic as we marched through our neighborhoods. People came out on their porches looking on as we waved “hello” and we invited them to join us. Taking up the rear with a mighty red truck and flashing lights was the Los Angeles Fire Department!  I felt like we were dignitaries of our city that evening. And that’s the very point. You and I are the dignitaries, the families, the laborers, the student, the homeowner, renter and stake holders that make up our diverse neighborhoods and we do have the power and the tools to help fight crime here if we want to make a difference.

Mason Bendewald is a a director and producer living in Angelus Vista, a contributing writer to the Neighborhood News and a Governing Board Member of UNNC, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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