CHPD Police Chief Alex Turcotte and Citrus Heights Mayor Mari-Jane Lopez Taff wait their turn in line for cotton candy and a refreshing snow cone. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Neighborhoods throughout the city of Citrus Heights came together Tuesday, Aug. 4 for National Night Out.

CHPD Police Chief Alex Turcotte and Citrus Heights Mayor Mari-Jane Lopez Taff enjoyed the music of the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band and a refreshing snow cone in the back patio area of the Foundation Christian Church on Wonder Street, celebrating the strong sense of community which makes the city of Citrus Heights a special place to live.

“We want to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in this year's National Night Out,” CHPD wrote on a social media post after the event.

“National Night Out (NNO) is more than just a neighborhood gathering — it's an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build trust and work together to keep our community safe. These meaningful interactions reflect the Citrus Heights Police Department's commitment to our core fundamental of Community-Oriented Policing.”

National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations, and volunteers across the nation as an annual community-building event to promote and build police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Neighborhoods typically host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events and visits from police emergency personnel.

The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

In Citrus Heights, multiple National Night Out (NNO) events were held including Foundation Christian Church at Wonder Street, sponsored by CHASEN, which represents neighborhood areas 7, 8 and 9 in the city.

 Participating sponsers included Leatherby's Family Ice Cream, the Galaxy Game Cafe which provided family games at Foundation Christian Church and Grocery Outlet. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

Activities included indoor and outdoor games and activities, a jump house for kids and a performance from the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band. Hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones were also provided.

Neighborhood Areas 2 and 6 hosted their third annual National Night Out event at Ascension Lutheran Church at 7607 Garden Gate Drive with games for all ages, face painting, music and family fun.

Sylvan Old Auburn Road neighborhood Area 10 (SOAR) partnered with the members of American Legion Post 637 and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for their National Night Out event at the Sylvan Community Center.

Citrus Heights Police Activities League (PAL) also partnered with Sunrise Point Apartments to host its National Night Out event at the apartment complex, with the goal of encouraging community and connection with law enforcement.

“We believe that strong partnerships with our residents are the foundation of a safer, stronger community,” wrote CHPD in a social media post following the event.

 Members of the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band under band director Kody Tickner performed a medley of patriotic themes. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CHPD extended its thanks to all of the neighborhood hosts, volunteers and residents who opened their streets, parks and homes to its officers during the event.

“We appreciate the warm welcome and the opportunity to spend the evening with you. We look forward to continuing these conversations and seeing everyone again next year.”

Participating sponsors included Leatherby’s Family Ice Cream, the Galaxy Game Café which provided family games at Foundation Christian Church, and Grocery Outlet.