September 2, 2005

National Night Out brings out neighbors and friends

In Willow Glen, the neighbors on Malone Road and Lovoi Way joined together for an evening of talk and fun. Back row, from left: Clara Smith, Mark Fleming, Marg Hoge, Hal Hoge, Ralph Van Heerden, Jim Carter, Ken Yeager, Bruce Kunder, Officer Bret Moiseff, Officer Francisco Ordaz, Brandon Crutchfield and Sunni Crutchfield; front row, from left: Jean Dimmermens, Phyliss Lovoi, Betsy Van Heerden, Terri Carter, Ellen Imrisek, Sam Imrisek, Cole Imrisek, Jill Kunder, Tera Crutchfield and Ewan Crutchfield.

On Aug. 2, friends and neighbors came out of their houses to enjoy ice cream and soft drinks and just talking with each other. It was a beautiful evening, warm and breezy, and people in Willow Glen and Cambrian Park were visiting and getting to know each other.

In Willow Glen, people on Lovoi Way and Malone gathered at Marg and Hal Hoge’s home. There was quite a crowd too, with everyone from tiny babies through a few senior citizens. District 6 City Councilmember Ken Yeager was there along with two of San Jose’s finest, Officer Bret Moiseff and Officer Francisco Ordaz.

All the neighbors appeared to be having a great time, including a few dogs. Most of the kids were treated to ice cream and soda pop, so they were happy to comply with their parents. Marg noted this was the first time they had celebrated National Night Out, but they plan to do it again. “We’ve had Christmas cocktail parties, but this is fun too,” she said.

For at least 10 years, the folks on Lambert Lane have celebrated National Night Out, said Anita Calkins, and she’s held it for the past seven or eight years. Beat officers Phil Garcia and Michael Villanueva joined the celebration, talking with the families and discussing crime and drug prevention.

It was a large group that met at the Calkins home on Lambert Lane. Pictured, back row from left are Officer Phil Garcia and Officer Michael Villanueva, Judy Chirco, Annette Cardoza, Kerry Yepiz, Julia Yepiz-Reardon, Fred Yepiz, Joe Ventuura, Gary Brooks, Scott Boucher, Kim Rafalaske, Chuck Rangel, John Rafalaske, Taylor Rafalaske, Roger Bjornstad, Barb Boucher, Joann Bjornstad, Ed Chirco, Kerrie Sparks, Vicki Tucci, Sean Sparks and Hal Calkins; seated in the front row are Anita Calkins, Marian Ventura, Linda Rangel and 11-month-old Mikaela, Mary Stenehjem, Pulette Brooks, Mary Compagna, Louise Wright and Pear Lang.

The neighborhood’s families range from the 30s—which includes families with babies and youngsters—all the way to their 90s. They too celebrate throughout the year, and sometimes with open houses at Christmas.

“In 1989, when we had the earthquake, no one wanted to be inside their house. It just so happened that one couple was celebrating their anniversary, so the whole neighborhood helped them. We barbecued, drank champagne and had a great time,” said Anita. In fact, that’s what started all the get-togethers, she added.

National Night Out is held the first Tuesday in August. It’s designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.