[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the 
House the powerful effect that National Night Out has on our 
communities' continued unity and success. Next month, we will celebrate 
the event's 30th anniversary.
   The annual event was started in 1984 by the National Town Watch 
Association in order to incite local cultural and philanthropic 
interests in the name of crime prevention and promoting deeper 
community relations. On Tuesday, August 7, 1984, 2.5 million Americans 
participated across 400 communities in 23 states.
   Presently, through the efforts of thousands of hard-working 
Americans with those missions in mind, National Night Out comprises 
37.8 million people across 16,124 communities in all 50 states, U.S. 
Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases around the world.
   My district contains the City of Salinas, an agricultural hub, 
providing fresh produce throughout the United States. The City of 
Salinas struggles with crime and, as often follows, social splintering 
among residents--partially due to gang-related violence. But time and 
time again, my constituents and organizations in the community come 
together to support each other and to remind the community that peace 
is the answer. This year the City of Salinas' National Night Out has 
approximately 30 organizations taking part in the Community Safety Fair 
and Peace March. Some of the organizations include: A Time for Grieving 
and Healing, Second Chance, County of Monterey, Clinica De Salud del 
Valle de Salinas, Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, Natividad Medical 
Center, Partners for Peace, Peacock Acres, United Farm Workers 
Foundation, United Way, and Sun Street Centers that are dedicated to 
creating unity and peace in the community.
   Mr. Speaker, National Night Out will spread the message of unity and 
positive energy to communities throughout the United States, including 
Salinas, the way Salinas has shared Salinas-grown fresh produce 
throughout the country. I commend all of the participants taking part 
in National Night Out on their contribution to the worthy goal of 
eliminating crime and encouraging deeper community relations.

                          ____________________