After a year under COVID restrictions, West Hollywood is so ready for a night out. On tonite’s agenda the council will consider a suggestion brought forward by Kerri Balbone, Public Safety Commissioner to move forward with a National Night Out Program.
National Night Out, the annual event that brings neighbors into the city streets to mingle with law enforcement and city leaders, looks poised to return to the city calendar on Tuesday, Aug. 3, after the COVID-19 epidemic forced WeHo to cancel the longstanding tradition.
The event’s return comes with a notable increase in cost.
Designated neighborhood groups holding block parties during National Night Out receive funding from the City to help defray expenses. This year, staff recommends that each group receive between $1,250 and $3,000, based on the number of residents they serve. The adjusted figures are roughly double the amounts from last year.
A single street closure is recommended for the event: The cul-de-sac at Sherbourne and Ashcroft, with closures at San Vicente and Ashcroft, and Ashcroft at Sherbourne.
City leaders are looking forward to the return of this seminal WeHo event.
“National Night Out is always terrific. Community members throughout West Hollywood enjoy hanging out and talking with their neighbors while making sure public safety and neighborhood watch is part of the night,” said Councilmember John D’Amico. “National Night Out gives residents and local businesses opportunities to meet representatives from West Hollywood City Hall, West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, and our local L.A. County Fire Stations and provides opportunities to socialize and make new friends. I hope to see everyone there.”
This year marks the 38th anniversary of National Night Out, which began in 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, law enforcement and community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and to send a message that neighborhoods are organized against crime. Nationwide, more than 35 million people in neighborhoods across the country gather outdoors to celebrate their unity and their successes in the fight against crime. Celebrating National Night Out has been a tradition in West Hollywood since the city’s incorporation.
The National Night Out is Agenda Item 2.Z for tonight’s city council meeting.
This is exactly what people don’t want. One small and vocal group…..drives all this nonsense.
What group is that?
Have you ever written a positive comment? Just curious.
Nah. But periodically you might agree with something he says.
Nope. He’s here to be contrarian. And to stir the pot. I can’t believe anything negative can be said about this. One small group? If you care enough about City policy, then be vocal, or join one of these groups, and be vocal. City Council does listen to people who actually speak out. What is the alternative? Stay home, and not be heard? That makes no sense.