Byline: By Lourdes Medrano Leslie, Staff writer
Phoenix neighborhoods put on such an impressive National Night Out event that it ranked
second in the nation, according to the Philadelphia-based National Association of Town
Watch.
''I'm thrilled, but not surprised because we have the best neighborhoods in the country,'' said Richard Fox, president of the city's Block Watch Advisory Board. ''The event has gotten real popular in Phoenix, it's a big party.''
The city, which finished first in the national competition two years ago, came in second to New Orleans -- but not necessarily because New Orleans had a bigger party.
''I don't know if New Orleans really beat Phoenix,'' said Matt Peskin, Town Watch executive director. ''It was very hard to pull one from the other, they're all good.''
He said an awards committee selected 25 out of about 40 entries from cities with more than 250,000 residents. Minneapolis ranked third.
Peskin said the Phoenix entry was convincing. It contained flyers, photographs and promotional materials on street parties, dances, and information fairs held Aug. 6 in more than 300 neighborhoods, all aimed at making residents more aware of crime and how they can prevent it.
''I think the Phoenix Block Watch advisory people do a good job of communicating with Block Watch groups and getting the word out.'' he said. ''It's a very well-organized campaign.
''It's a real salute to them when they finish high. They're showing how hard they've worked all year long.''
He said the organization would ship a plaque to the advisory board in the next few weeks.
District 3 Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten, who has been heavily involved in the the Block Watch program, said the city may be getting the award, but it is the citizenry who made it possible.
''It absolutely, positively belongs to the neighborhoods,'' she said, adding that National Night Out has come a long way since the city began participating a decade ago.
''To see how the neighborhoods take part in it, and grow from there is just wonderful,'' Bilsten said. ''They might start with a potluck party, then a Block Watch, then the neighborhood gets involved in zoning issues.
''It takes the barriers down. People feel empowered to get involved and make a difference,'' she said.