SAN ANTONIO – Several neighborhoods across our area holding National Night Out events.
It's a night that's meant to bring the community closer, in hopes of fighting crime and spreading awareness about resources.
The night began with Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar turning on a porch light attached to a wooden post at his office.
“We all know that criminals work in darkness, and light is something that does not appeal to them, and so to us, it's very symbolic of our efforts to fight crime,” Salazar said.
Fighting crime wasn't the only motive for the dozens of National Night Out events in the area.
“As we go around our neighborhood, we know that economic development is key,” said, Kristi Villanueva, president of the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.
The Westwood Square Neighborhood Association teamed up with the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Café to spread awareness about issues that are important to the community.
“It all has to do with the kids, just to see a happy environment, meet other people we don't get to see on a daily basis,” said Josh Rodriguez, who took his family to that West Side event.
On the East Side, San Antonio police and first responders showed up alongside community members of the Harvard/Eastlawn Neighborhood Association at association president Mary Emerson’s house.
“I’ve done this for 35 years. Ever since the first time there's been a National Night Out, I’ve had it right here in my yard.” Emerson said.
Organizers said the efforts are evidence of a persisting desire to make local neighborhoods better.
“This shouldn't be the only time that our neighbors get together, break bread together. We should be doing this ongoing," said William "Cruz" Shaw, District 2 councilman.