Del Webb residents were among more than 1,000 in Manteca who joined National Night Out efforts Tuesday in a bid to bring people together to counter criminal activity in their neighborhoods.

Parties were held in front yards and garages where buffets were set up for neighbors with a variety of food, drink and desserts.  In addition to the parties at the homes there was another group celebrating at the large gazebo in the center of the Del Webb at Woodbridge Park.

The Manteca Police Department entered Del Webb with their giant SWAT emergency response vehicle and other police vehicles.  The fire department brought fire engines to the parties to meet with the residents where they were welcomed with open arms. Manteca District Ambulance crews as well as city leaders also dropped by various parties throughout Del Webb and Manteca.

The neighbors got to view the interior of the large military type vehicle that is always ready for any significant event that might involve the taking of hostages or the initiation of gun fire.

Kathy Victoria was just one of the Neighborhood Watch block captains in the neighborhood welcoming friends and neighbors and the first responders to the celebrations at Del Webb.

The watch groups involve neighbors working in concert to report suspicious activity to the police.

That was the objective on Tuesday when Manteca residents were encouraged to gather in the evening in front yards “to take back the streets” by staging potlucks and such to mingle with neighbors.

Those who registered their National Night Out party with Manteca Parks and Recreation were able to have either Manteca Police, Manteca Fire, Manteca District Ambulance and/or Manteca City Council members visit their gatherings.

Last year there were 80 such National Night Out parties throughout Manteca.