Sgt. John Martindale welcomed the residents to Monterey Park’s National Night Out Against Crime held in front yard of City Hall on August 5. This is the 31st Annual National Night Out. He explained the history of National Night Out to the audience. It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored by our police department. Tonight over 10,000 communities and over 34 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime” from around Canada and the United States.

The crowd of 400 or more pledged their allegiance to our flag and listened to Angelene Story sing our National Anthem.

Police Chief Jim Smith welcomed the residents to our 2014 Night Out celebration. He suggested everyone meet your neighbor and help prevent crime. Our hardworking officers have prevented an increase in crime in the city. That is a great accomplishment. Farmers Insurance is hosting the hot dog dinner.

He introduced the City Council: Mayor Anthony Wong, Mayor Pro Tem Hans Liang, Councilmembers Peter Chan and Teresa Real Sebastian. Councilmember Mitch Ing is on vacation in Canada and sends his regards. City Clerk Vince Chang and City Treasures Joseph Leon, who is working a booth. Janet Chin from the Garvey School Board attended this event for Senator Ed Hernandez. Henry Lo from the Garvey School Board attended this event for Assemblymember Ed Chau. He also introduced City Manager Paul Talbot, Fire Chief Scott Haberle and Department Heads: Ron Bow, Dan Costley, Michael Huntley and Norma Aruizu. Our city government works together.

Mayor Wong addressed the residents on behalf of the Council. He thanked everyone for coming to meet at the City Hall. This is the largest group in attendance for this event.  All of the employees and residents in Monterey Park are against crime in our city.  He said to enjoy the event. He asked God to bless Monterey Park and America.

Henry Lo presented proclamations to Mayor Anthony Wong, Mayor Pro Tem Hans Liang, Councilmembers Peter Chan and Teresa Real Sebastian, City Clerk Vince Chang, Sgt. John Martindale and Chief Jim Smith.

Chief Smith thanked this staff for this event. He also thanked the police and fire departments, police explorers, reserve officers, chaplains, block captains and Neighborhood Watch. He thanked the community and co-sponsors. He thanked the residents for being here tonight. Enjoy this event. “Neighbors looking out for neighbors”. It is our honor to serve you in Monterey Park and keep your community safe.

Sgt. Martindale suggested the residents visit the sponsors’ tables, see the K-9s in action, see the Traffic Department’s motorcycles, see the Fire Department’s equipment, see the Animal Control’s truck and the Citizens Patrol’s unit. Enjoy the event.

Project NEO had a booth was easy to located thanks to their large yellow duck. They provided handouts to interested parties.

Children from the ages of 6 to 10 enjoyed bouncing up and down in the famous “Moon Bounce”.

Members of the Fire Department displayed their Preparedness for Disaster trailer to instruct the residents on how to turn off the water, gas and electricity in event of a disaster.

Officer Pete Palomino with his partner, nine-year-old Max and Officer Raymond Cota with his partner, three-year-old Veeda showed the audience how their dogs secure the bad guys and keep us safe.

Pete, Max and friend share some love and affection.

Sgt. Brent Archibald, Officer Robert Berrera and Officer J. Flores enjoyed showing

their motorcycles to the resident.

Face painting has become famous at citywide events. Children picked their favorite picture from a book and wore their choice on their face or arms.

Song Park and Roxana Del Toro introduced students Jung Hye Park and Yun Hee Kim visiting the city from Korea.

Dolores Rillos and Gloria Enriquez introduced students Elizabeth Carrillo and Nicolle Pompa visiting the city from Morelia, Mexico.

Monterey Park residents spent the evening with McGruff taking a bite out of crime.

The event ended with several lucky winners of the door prizes that included a boy’s bike and a girl’s bike.