National Night Out | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

kfsn

By ABC30

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Fresno, CA Silverly Lane is a quiet street in the Tarpey area, but the people who live here know no area is immune from crime. That's why they're planning their first neighborhood block party Tuesday as part of "National Night Out." "If people realize that people are friends and know each other, I think it really does deter behavior that may not be acceptable," said organizer Ron Flores.

Ron Flores organized the event and people chipped in to buy hamburgers and hot dogs. Across the street his neighbors prepared desserts and side dishes. The Ramirez sisters have lived on Silverly Lane for nearly 50 years. They say they've benefited from neighbors looking out for neighbors. "We've never had anything happen to us, anything stolen," said Lupe Ramirez.

As the residents of Silverly Lane got ready to party Tuesday evening, Roz Clark prepared for a long night of party hopping, promoting the importance of Neighborhood Watch organizations. She says the current budget crisis makes them more important than ever. "The police can't be there on every corner. That's been true forever, but even more now," said Clark.