LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Moraga National Night Out 2024 shared venue with Hacienda Nights


Moraga Police Department celebrates National Night Out Photo Vera Kochan

It's hard to tell who enjoyed Moraga's National Night Out more -- the residents or the police officers. Held on Aug. 6, the event took place at the Hacienda de las Flores along with the summer's final Hacienda Nights food truck gathering. An additional get-together was held in the Campolindo neighborhood.

National Night Out was first introduced nationally in August 1984. It included law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, and volunteers. It is estimated that the initial event involved 2.5 million neighbors in 400 communities throughout 23 states.

Through the years, National Night Out evolved into something more than just getting an up-close look at a police car. Neighborhoods had block parties and cookouts. Cities developed festivals, parades and other community events that included safety demonstrations, seminars, and youth activities.

There was always one common goal in mind when it came to National Night Out: to strengthen the relationship between the public and its local law enforcement personnel. On Aug. 6, in California alone, 367 cities participated in some type of activity dedicated to this intention including Moraga, Lafayette and Orinda.

The Moraga Police Department (MPD) brought a contingent of representatives to the Hacienda and set up a table overflowing with MPD giveaway items for young and old alike. Eye glass cases, pens, keychain flashlights, notepads, and junior police badge stickers were just some of the items available to the public.

On hand to mingle with residents were: MPD Chief Jon King, Detective Craig Walker, Officers Michael Dreyfuss, Fabiola Hernandez, Jeffrey Yanga, Kurt Eriksen, and Support Services Coordinator Cathy Ghiselli. Later in the evening MPD was joined by an officer with the California Highway Patrol who drove his motorcycle onto the Hacienda patio for optimum viewing enjoyment.

King prefers it when National Night Out is held in neighborhoods, noting that the countrywide event is usually held in October. "We've resisted doing it in big gatherings, because it gives neighbors a chance to get to know each other and us. It works for the officers. It's a bad time of year for this [many residents are still away on vacation], that's why they did this on Hacienda Nights."

Looking on the bright side, King added, "We love any opportunity to visit with the community. It's important for me that they [the residents] know that we are here to keep them safe. It's equally important for my officers to meet the folks.

"This is a great community. I'm blessed to be the chief."