WATSONVILLE — When Watsonville Police Capt. Michael McKinley pulled up in an unmarked vehicle to the Police Activities League location on Davis Avenue Tuesday, he was immediately swarmed by a group of excited children.
“I want to be a cop one day,” one boy exclaimed.
“Are you a fake officer?” another inquired.
The visit was part of the annual National Night Out, an event that brings law enforcement and residents together to help strengthen relationships between the two.
In Watsonville, more than 20 neighborhoods hosted an event, many featuring barbecues, games and other activities. A variety of other events were also held throughout Santa Cruz County.
Watsonville Police Chief David Honda said National Night Out is a chance for people to meet others in their neighborhoods.
“National Night Out really brings the community together with the police department and builds relationships,” he said. “Without those relationships, the police department can’t function.”
Over at First United Methodist Church, the Watsonville Music Program, featuring children in grades first through sixth, put on a singing and dancing performance for a large group of people who were enjoying a barbecue dinner of hot dogs and hamburgers.
Basilio Diego, a teacher in the program, said the youth had only been practicing the routine for the last week. The Watsonville Music Program, he added, not only teaches the children the basics of performing arts in a safe environment, but it also allows them to have fun.
“It’s an opportunity to teach kids, inspire them and have fun,” Diego said.
Pastor Robin Mathews-Johnson said the church has been participating in National Night Out for years. Before National Night Out, many children who attended the church had never talked to a police officer, or knew how to call the fire department, she said.
“We participate in National Night Out because of the opportunity to introduce the children and their families to the officers,” she said. “It’s all a part of serving our neighbors.”
McKinley praised the “strong” Neighborhood Watch program in the area, as well as the church’s community garden, saying that the crime rate in the neighborhood as dropped dramatically over the years.
Marty Johnson, who was serving up hot dogs and hamburgers to the attendees, called the event a “spirit of abundance.”
“It’s very much a spirited community,” he said. “It’s good to see everyone come out and get to know everybody.”
Watsonville Mayor Oscar Rios said he saw a strong turnout at every location he visited.
“It’s great to see the community come out and hear about the walls being broken down between the police and the people,” he said.
City Councilwoman Trina Coffman-Gomez called National Night Out a “wonderful event.”
“It was great to see so much fun and activity throughout our neighborhoods, which gave the neighbors the opportunity to meet and greet police, fire, city staff and councilmembers that represent them,” she said.
Dr. Faris Sabbah, deputy superintendent of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, said he appreciated seeing law enforcement representatives and city leaders interacting with the public.
“It’s wonderful for the community to come out and celebrate together,” he said as he handed bean bags to children at Vista Verde Apartments for a game.
Sadia Place was hosting its first-ever National Night Out event, featuring a basketball tournament with a grand prize of four tickets to a San Francisco 49ers game courtesy of the Farhat Family.
“Bringing neighbors together is what creates a great community,” Raeid Farhat said. “Events like National Night Out help build that connection and bond.”
