Fremont neighbors, police ready for National Night Out

Fremont Police Department is accepting applications for block parties in preparation of the annual National Night Out next month. This will be the 28th year National Night Out has happened, the nationwide social event aimed at increasing crime prevention and Neighborhood Watch awareness. National Night Out in Fremont will begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 7. Karen Blount, a Fremont police community engagement specialist, said about 175 National Night Out parties were held in the city last year, with officers and city officials visiting almost 70 of them. In addition, amateur radio operators who gave communications demonstrations with their equipment visited 16 parties. Blount said there were parties in 26 of Fremont's 28 neighborhoods last year. As of last Friday, 89 parties had registered for this year's event. Parties range in size from small gatherings to larger events with as many as 400 guests. "It really isn't about getting visits from the city," she added. "This is a great opportunity to break down the barriers and get to know everybody in your neighborhood and community." Typically, block parties involve barbecues or ice cream socials. Some parties may get a surprise visit from McGruff the Crime Dog. Reg E-Rec, the city's parks and recreation mascot, will be visiting several parties. The deadline to register a block party is July 31. However, those planning to block off a street for a National Night Out celebration will need to get a block party permit for $20 from City of Fremont by calling Nancy Tacchella at 494-4473. The deadline to file for a permit is today (Friday, July 6). To request a visit from Fremont Fire Department, call Pam Franklin at 494-4299. "For our on-duty officers, as well as firefighters, we will give them a list of parties that requested visits," Blount said. "And if they can make it out to them, they will try."