West Hollywood residents stepped out of their homes and got chummy with their neighbors in celebration of this year’s National Night Out. It was an evening of gathering with familiar faces and meeting some new ones at several outdoor locations throughout West Hollywood to show unity against crime in West Hollywood.
National Night Out offered free block parties, barbecues, live entertainment, a movie screening and dancing. There were nine separate events throughout the City. A diverse crowd came out to enjoy food trucks, a chance to win raffle prizes, and children were allowed to play a game of bingo with much older folks. Some residents even brought their dogs out to play and sniff around for scraps. 
Six Neighborhood Watch Groups coordinated with The West Hollywood Gateway, the Russian Advisory Board, the West Hollywood Recreation Services Division, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and City officials to host an evening of fun. An estimated 2,000 WeHo residents were expected to attend.
“I love any time a community can come together,” said nightclub hostess, actress and WEHO TIMES contributor Ingenue. “Sometimes we drive our cars behind a gate, we go into our apartments, and we don’t really communicate with each other. So it’s fun to get out, have some fun, enjoy some food, win some prizes and have camaraderie. That’s important because it makes you feel safer and you get to take ownership of your neighborhood.”
Ingenue says she lost her WeHo block party virginity that evening. It was her first National Night Out. She lives, works and plays in West Hollywood and was asked to host the bingo portion of the block party at the North Kings Road location. Her look for the evening was a red satin dress with a red flower embellishment. She doesn’t know where the dress came from, but the flower was made especially for her by Ever Designs.
Big Bang Television performs at National Night Out in West HollywoodThe evening at the N. Kings Road block party ended with a special performance by the band Big Bang Television. The band consists of Starr + Erik + Mike. To learn more and to get a taste of their sound, visit: bigbangtelevision.com Or like them on Facebook at: facebook.com/bigbangtelevision/
Other National Night Out events this year included a free family-friendly movie night featuring Finding Dory at Plummer park It was hosted by the City of West Hollywood’s Recreation Services Division. Community members are invited to bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a movie under the stars.
National Night Out began in 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, law enforcement and community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized against crime. Nationwide, more than 35 million people in neighborhoods across the country gather outdoors to celebrate their unity and their successes in the fight against crime. Celebrating National Night Out has been a tradition in West Hollywood since the City’s inception.
