Archived News Release from 2010

For Immediate Release

Redwood City’s Neighborhood Watch Program Reenergized, Expanded

Redwood City, CA - January 9, 2010 - Over the last year, the Redwood City Police Department and the Neighborhood Liaison program have teamed up to reenergize the City’s Neighborhood Watch program, and the result is an expanded, invigorated, and growing community program.

In 2009, a total of 13 new Neighborhood Watch groups were formed in Redwood City. The Police Department and Neighborhood Liaison staff took the concept further, with some creative new aspects. One is the formation of a Business Watch group for a small neighborhood grouping of retailers. Another is a larger, multi-block Neighborhood Watch Association comprised of six streets in close proximity.

And, recently a Spanish speaking Neighborhood Watch group was developed for the neighborhood near Hawes Elementary School. The school was instrumental in generating local interest in forming a Neighborhood Watch, helping to publicize it to nearby residents and parents, and even hosting the initial organizing meeting.  Now, on Tuesday, January 26th at 3 pm, the Hawes Elementary School area regular Neighborhood Watch meeting is taking place – it’s a great opportunity to see neighbors working with neighbors, with the school, and with the City, in a partnership that shows people taking action to enhance the safety and quality of life in their neighborhoods.

Each Redwood City Neighborhood Watch group is encouraged to invite their Community Policing Officer to their meetings, at which the officer will answer questions, and present information about issues including home and personal security, burglary prevention, and how to report suspicious activity. The officer also makes a point of noting the value of “neighbors knowing neighbors” as a fundamental tool to offer heightened security within the neighborhood.

Any neighborhood interested in considering a Neighborhood Watch program should contact Erica Spacher, Redwood City Neighborhood Liaison Coordinator, at 780-5905 or espacher@redwoodcity.org. Redwood City can provide the tools, information, and resources to help any neighborhood become a better place to live. Also visit the Neighborhood Liaison Program web page for more information.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s electronic newsletter or other City documents at www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

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Contact:
Erica Spacher
Neighborhood Liaison Coordinator
650-780-5905