By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Lathrop gears up for National Night Out
Placeholder Image
LATHROP – It will be more than a block party taking place at the Camino Real Mobile Home Estates on National Night Out.

More than a dozen Lathrop businesses are going to be joining in the fun with residents and city officials at the Camino Real club house on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

“I believe this is a first for the city of Lathrop, that is, merging residents and businesses” for this annual campaign against crime celebration, said Camino Real resident Ruben Sandoval who is helping organize the evening’s extravaganza which he describes as “a community-building event.”

Among those who have already confirmed their attendance are Mikasa Japanese Bistro, La Hacienda Taqueria, Save Mart, Country Kitchen, Sicily Pizza, Advanced America, Covenant Beauty Supply, Storage Pro, Holiday Inn, McDonald’s, Sherwin Williams, Quizno’s, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, and  J.R. Simplot. Confirmations from Quizno’s and Mountain Mike’s are still pending as of Friday.

Sandoval said he personally delivered invitations to all businesses in Lathrop from Country Kitchen to the north, to the University of Phoenix to the south of the Harlan Road stretch in town.

“Having 14 businesses for the first time around (at an NNO celebration) shows a glimmer of hope for Lathrop to become a holistic community. I like to give a big thank you to the local businesses that are participating and hope others will see the economic value added to their business by participating in such community events,” added Sandoval who is pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Phoenix.

In the past, the community at Camino Real has staged one of the liveliest National Night Out parties around with each celebration featuring a different party theme that serves as a take-off point for the décor motif, costumes for party-goers and activities. They have had Hawaiian and patriotic theme parties, for example.

This year, Sandoval said they will also have karaoke singing and are working on having a local deejay for that part of the evening program, plus the usual games for the children and contests with prizes to be given away. There will be games and activities for the young at heart, too, he said, such as a casino night. Adding to the fun will be two piñatas – one for the kids and another for the older folks.

The City of Lathrop also will be hosting a Night Out party in the City Hall parking lot as they did last year. Featured will be various informational booths and tables plus other attractions.

All Night Out parties will be in full swing between 7 and 10 p.m.

The idea behind National Night Out is for residents to foster and renew friendships with new and old neighbors, and for residents to get to know their city officials, the police who keep their community safe from crime, and fire district personnel who provide fire protection. The main message in this celebration is neighbors working together as one to let criminals know that their neighborhoods are organized and are united in fighting back against crime where they live.

For further questions about hosting a block party, or more information about this year’s block party observance, contact Deputy Andrea Lopez at (209) 858-5551, ext 366, or send an e-mail to: amlopez@sjgov.org.