By Daily Press staff
Spiderman, Marvel Comics’ fearless crime-fighter, will be the star attraction alongside Santa Monica Police Chief James T. Butts Jr. in the SMPD celebration of National Night Out Against Crime on the city’s famed Third Street Promenade.
Set for Tuesday, August 6, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., all local residents interested in joining Spiderman, and other featured participants, in this year’s symbolic crime-fighting parade should come to the staging area at the corner of the Third Street Promenade and Wilshire Boulevard by 6:30 p.m. The first 750 to register will receive free buttons, balloons and flashlights. Entertainment will include J & M Entertainment, Aspects of Live “Circus Extreme” performers, First AME Youth Choir and the Santa Monica High School marching band.
7B2, Sponsored for the last 19 years by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is a nationwide event in which over 9,700 communities and 33 million people are expected to participate. The entire Santa Monica event will be videotaped and photographed by CityTV for this year’s national competition.
Last year, over 1,800 marchers set a record for the local event. “With the help of our local residents,” Chief James Butts said, “I have every hope that Santa Monica will set a new record for this most important march against crime.”
The parade will end in Palisades Park (Ocean Avenue at Broadway) and will include free food from Trader Joe’s, 7- Eleven and Frito Lay. Kids can have their photos taken with Spiderman at the SMPD’s booth. The Santa Monica Fire Department and such local organizations as Rock the Vote, ADT Security, Find the Children, Nurses Against Violence, Red Cross and American Medical Response will staff informational booths.
Registration for free ESL classes
By Daily Press staff
Santa Monica College will offer free enrollment for its English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) courses this fall, with sessions starting on Aug. 26.
Through SMC’s Continuing Education Department, the free English classes are offered at all levels seven days a week in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. Also offered are free basic skills and keyboarding classes.
“These courses offer valuable training and help individuals in preparation for higher education or advancement in the work place,” said Monica Torres, SMC community service specialist. “As the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents, I know that the opportunities in this country grow exponentially once the language barrier is broken.”
Classes and registration are held at SMC’s Madison campus, located on Santa Monica Boulevard between 10th and 11th streets--1310 11th Street. For information call, (310) 434-3400. For information in Spanish, call Torres at (310) 434-3407.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 25, 2002. Read the original PDF.