We want you for task force, police say

COSTA MESA — Police on Tuesday night will be looking to enlist you and other people from the community as the newest members of a crime prevention task force.

As part of National Night Out, a nationwide program facilitating relationships between residents of local communities and their respective police departments, the Costa Mesa Police Department will hold an informative mixer at the Mesa Pines apartment complex, 2650 Harla Ave.

The event is designed to give local residents a chance to not only meet police officers entrusted with keeping their community safe, but also find out in what ways citizens themselves can help improve public safety, said event organizer Dora Danesi, who is the apartment complex’s manager.

Danesi is hosting the event for the second year in the complex’s courtyard.

“This is a chance to heighten awareness of what crime could go on in a community,” Danesi said. “If people see something, they shouldn’t be afraid to call the police. There needs to be a partnership between the community and its police officers.”

Members of the city police department will be on hand to introduce themselves, discuss what they do and how residents can increase safety in their neighborhoods.

Additionally, a self-defense demonstration will be provided by a Costa Mesa business, Thaikaju, which offers classes in Thai boxing, karate and ju-jitsu.

As a mother of three children who attend local preschool and grade schools, Danesi said that it is particularly important to her that everyone in the neighborhood knows how to recognize potential signs of criminal activity.

What: National Night Out

When: 6 to 9 tonight

Where: 2650 Harla Ave., Costa Mesa

Other Locations

2103 Federal Ave.

2192 ½ Miner St.

782 Shalimar Drive (Shalimar Park)

840 Center Drive

1230 W. Baker St. (Harbor Trinity Church- Halecrest Homeowners Assn.)

3063 Johnson Ave. (Mesa North Homeowners Assn.)

Hummingbird Drive-Bluebird Circle (Mesa Verde Neighborhood Watch)