COUNTYWIDE : Cities Set to Mark National Night Out

Several cities throughout the county are planning parties, fairs and other activities to mark the 10th annual National Night Out campaign against crime and drugs.

“The idea is to heighten crime prevention awareness and generate support and participation in local anti-crime and anti-drug programs,” said Matt Peskin, National Night Out coordinator and creator of the event, which takes place Tuesday.

He said 26 million people in 8,600 communities throughout the country are expected to participate this year. The event is being organized locally by law enforcement agencies and community groups.

The Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin will be open to the public from 7 to 10 p.m. when the base will be converted into a carnival-like fair complete with a disc jockey, games, food and free fingerprinting and bicycle registration for children.

Also, Tustin firefighters, Orange police, military police and representatives from Orange County law enforcement agencies will distribute information on crime and drug prevention.

“We’re bringing the civilians, service members and their families together in the fight to combat crime in our community,” Marine Sgt. Timothy Paullin said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is holding another fair in San Clemente from 6 to 8 p.m. It will feature vendors demonstrating personal, auto and home safety devices such as alarms.

Anaheim police are inviting the public to their fair at Peralta Park, which will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The fair will feature exhibits by canine , helicopter and other police details.

More than 2,000 people are expected to show up for the game booths, door prizes and free fingerprinting for children. About 600 neighborhoods in the city will also be holding block parties and barbecues for more than 13,000 people.

In addition, residents in Anaheim, Dana Point, Orange, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Fullerton and Fountain Valley are being asked by community groups and Neighborhood Watch groups to turn on their porch lights from 8 to 10 p.m., lock their doors and spend time getting to know their neighbors in an effort to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized.

The Lantern Village neighborhood in Dana Point will also sponsor a “flashlight walk” to La Plaza Park. The walk will begin at 8 p.m. on Selva Road and end at the park at Pacific Coast Highway, where children will be offered free fingerprinting and bicycle registration services.

“This is a night for law-abiding citizens to join forces with local law enforcement and show criminals that we’re mad as hell and not going to take it any more,” Peskin said. “On Aug. 3, neighbors will meet neighbors, strengthen their partnerships with local police and make a commitment to keep their neighborhoods free of crime, drugs and violence.”