Contrary to how it might feel, time is not moving faster, it’s actually August already and that means National Night Out is almost upon us. And that’s a good thing.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign designed to promote community partnerships with the police and fire departments and encourage neighborhood camaraderie in communities across the country. Once again, Main Street from Olympic Drive to Colorado Avenue will be closed off as the entire area in front of City Hall will be dedicated to the event.
Last year, the theme was “Superheroes,” this year the theme is “Past, Present and Future” with a focus on the 80s and 90s representing the “Past.” Needless to say, we can expect all manner of interesting and awful reminders of music, culture and fashion from those iconic decades.
So if, for some bizarre reason, you still happen to have a piano keyboard tie, a “Frankie Says” t-shirt or a Dynasty-esque power suit with super-sized padded shoulders, now is the perfect time to blow the dust off those bad boys and bring them out of retirement. And that’s if you want to represent the 80s. If you’re more a child of the 90s however, you’ll be needing a nice, nylon neon-colored shell suit. Shudder.
“It’s always a big family affair,” Vice Mayor Lana Negrete told the Daily Press. “And I believe this year is going to be even bigger than last year’s, it just gets bigger every year, which is great … and there’s so much stuff you can do with kids too.”
Tourists and residents alike can come along to learn more about the Santa Monica community and about how both the Police and Fire Departments operate. All that and great food plus a DJ who will no doubt be reminding us of the very best tunes of the time. Fingers crossed we’ll get to hear tracks from the likes of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and Diana Ross together with The Stone Roses, Sheryl Crow and The Charlatans.
“This year’s event highlights the rich history, present initiatives, and future vision of the Santa Monica Police Department. We invite residents to experience our journey through historic police items, current technology, and future plans,” Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista said. “Let’s celebrate the partnership between our residents and law enforcement, fostering trust and unity. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun, connection, and community pride.”
Children — and parents, equally — will be able to sit on police motorcycles, talk to the officers who fly the police drones, try on tactical body armor, have mugshots taken in front of a lineup background, get locked up inside of a prisoner transport or “paddy wagon” or just jump around on a bouncy castle.
“The Santa Monica Fire Department supports the Santa Monica Police Department’s National Night Out by collaborating on community events, enhancing public safety awareness and fostering positive relationships between Santa Monica first responders and our local residents,” Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock told the Daily Press.
“So, log off your Commodore 64, spray some Aqua Net in your hair, throw on your Sony Walkman, crank on Simple Minds, put your Members Only jacket on and cruise on down to the Santa Monica Police Department’s 2024 National Night Out and meet your Santa Monica first responders on Tuesday evening,” Hallock added.
“National Night Out is a great way for families and their children to connect with our public safety folks, ask questions, and support Santa Monica. I highly recommend attending…and bring your smiles. It will be a lot of fun,” Mayor Phil Brock told the Daily Press, adding that his 80s playlist of choice would include Tears for Fears, Queen, the B-52’s and the Dead Kennedys.
National Night Out 2024 will be at 1685 Main Street, outside of Santa Monica City Hall. It starts at 5pm and runs until 8pm.
scott.snowden@smdp.com