On Aug. 6, residents gathered for National Night Out on a warm, breezy Beverly Hills evening on Rexford Drive, cast in the setting sun’s golden glow. The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) hosted the event to educate the community about the work they do to combat crime through different divisions of the department such as the Special Weapons and the K-9 Units. This was also an opportunity for residents to learn about other programs in the city such as the Beverly Hills Education Foundation (BHEF), City Planners and Just in Case BH. But perhaps most importantly, it was a chance for the community to gather outside, enjoy food and family fun, and spend time together.
“National Night Out is a national movement where cities take a stand with their communities and their police department— a stand against crime,” BHPD Sgt. Jeffrey Newman told the Courier. “We want the criminals to know that crime is not tolerated in Beverly Hills and we want them to be united in the message that we have eyes everywhere and the police are on the side of our community to combat any issues.”
Along the 400 block of North Rexford Drive, BHPD officers connected with community members through vehicle demonstrations and informational displays. Officer Alfredo Eudave from the Special Weapons Unit showed off a few of the less lethal firearms that are sometimes utilized at crime scenes. He explained that this unit has become even more crucial in recent months. “We’re using more technology such as drones,” Eudave told the Courier. “We send them out to assess a situation before we even get there.” And as electric and self-driving cars become more prevalent in the city, BHPD will utilize more of their own technology through the Special Weapons Unit, he said.
Photo by John Bendheim
On the other end of the block, the BHPD Defensive Tactics hosted an interactive demonstration where children could safely attempt self-defense techniques with Officers Karly Loberg and Chas Maloch. Children also partook in an earthquake simulator, face painting and a bounce house mechanical bull.
Next door, crowds funneled into the Fire Department Headquarters, which was lined with booths from Beverly Hills schools and city programs. Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education Member Noah Margo represented Horace Mann Elementary School alongside the school’s new Principal, Ontrece Ellerbe. Representatives from El Rodeo Elementary School also set up a booth to inform the community about the school’s grand opening on Aug. 11.
In anticipation of El Rodeo’s grand opening, representatives from the BHEF urged members of the community to donate to their annual giving campaign to support BHUSD students. Families can name a tree, an auditorium seat for five years or an entire auditorium, depending on their donation amount. As Tina Wiener, BHEF president, explained, the campaign allows businesses, community members and alumni to leave their legacy at a school of their choice, by displaying their name on a plaque. Those who are interested can still donate at BHEF.org/donate.
Photo courtesy city of Beverly Hills
Other booths included representatives from Just In Case BH, who promoted their upcoming emergency preparedness fair on Sept. 29 and Beverly Hills Planners, who handed out information about accessory dwelling units. Associate Planner Patrick Achis also hosted a Plinko game, where children won Beverly Hills-themed prizes.
While some residents learned about all that the city has to offer, others enjoyed culinary offerings from several local Los Angeles food trucks. Black Cat BBQ, popular at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, served up brisket, ribs, pulled pork and smoked poultry, while Holy Grill 770 offered Mediterranean burgers, hot dogs and shawarma. The Tropic Truck served Caribbean seafood and bowls, and families cooled down with soft serve ice cream from Mister Softee Truck.
Throughout the evening, the block was packed with familiar faces as City Council and the Fire and Police Chiefs strolled by. The event offered them a unique opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversation with residents and surrounding neighbors. By forming meaningful connections, BHPD officers hope to combat crime and encourage a feeling of togetherness.
