SAN ANTONIO – Oct. 1 is National Night Out, and it’s a time for communities across San Antonio to come together and celebrate. Several organizations hosted events to foster community spirit and unity.
One attendee, Ciera Roman, expressed her joy, saying, “I think it’s amazing to be out here, the community coming together as one is great… the band, I love the band, I can hear them from my house, and I’m like aye.”
National Night Out events are neighborhood parties with a purpose. The aim is to strengthen relationships between neighbors and first responders in the area.
Eduardo Hernandez, Edgewood Independent School District superintendent, highlighted the importance of building relationships between the community and law enforcement, saying, “When a young man or woman sees a man or woman in blue, they don’t need to be afraid of them. They need to build that relationship with them, and it also helps our officers start a relationship with families; that way, if something does happen, they have a starting point.”
In addition to fostering relationships, the community gathering is also an opportunity for neighbors to discuss issues affecting their neighborhood. Rudy Lopez, Vice President of the Thompson Neighborhood Association, mentioned concerns such as car thefts and stray animals.
Identifying and addressing these issues is crucial for community safety and unity. Rita Sanchez, a program coordinator for the San Antonio Independent School District, emphasized the importance of involving the community in addressing challenges and setting expectations.
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