La Mesa Leaders, Police Visit 17 National Night Out Block Parties

Police and city officials heard thanks from residents across La Mesa on National Night Out (and returned the appreciation as well).

But Harry Brenner heard something else: “Happy birthday to you.” 

Celebrating his 56^th birthday among neighbors Tuesday night at a small block party on 73^rd Street, Brenner blew out four candles on a homemade coconut cake.

An acrylic artist with works on display at Cosmos in The Village, Brenner was among hundreds of residents taking part in the crime-fighting event, which fosters block-by-block alliances under the Neighborhood Watch banner.

Police Lt. David Bond said 17 National Night Out gatherings were visited by police and city leaders, including Police Chief Al Lanning, police Capts. Ed Aceves and Carlos Medero, members of the City Council, City Manager Dave Witt and Assistant City Manager Yvonne Garrett. The special response team took its armored vehicle on the road as well, giving kids a peek inside.

Friendly chatfests, some with cookouts, were held in front of homes on Amaya Drive, Roach Drive, Lapori Street, Merritt Boulevard and Fabienne Way among others, Bond said.

A Fire Department truck stopped by the 73^rd Street get-together, which featured a couple dozen residents feasting on potluck. 

Bond had several stops on his itinerary, including driveways on Dugan Avenue and Laird Street.

“We’ve heard thank-you’s” from the National Night Out groups, Bond said of his stint, ending about 8:30 p.m. “We’re actually thanking them—for helping make their neighborhoods safer.”