On August 6, over a hundred Glendale residents, accompanied by their children, city leaders, and local law enforcement officers, participated in the National Night Out event held outside the Pacific Park Community Center. The event featured a variety of activities, including games, bounce houses, music, free snacks, and raffles for prizes, providing a festive atmosphere for all attendees.
The annual event, organized by the Community Services and Parks Department in collaboration with the Glendale Police Department, has been held at Pacific Park since 2009. John Maghaugian, Community Services Supervisor, explained that his department works with vendors to create engaging activities for children, while also providing a DJ, raffles, and prizes. This year, Costco contributed by donating supplies for the event.
National Night Out, traditionally held on the first Tuesday of August, aims to foster stronger connections between residents, local law enforcement, and their neighbors. The event serves as a platform for sharing concerns, ideas, and strategies to enhance safety across the Glendale community.
The event saw participation from 24 different organizations and companies, including the Glendale Police Department SWAT team, Glendale Community College, Glendale Sunrise Rotary, Glendale Open Space Foundation, Glendale Library Arts and Culture, and the County of Los Angeles Public Health, among others. These organizations provided information, handed out free items, and engaged with the community.
Jessica Martinez, a substance use navigator from USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, attended the event to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning. She distributed 15 boxes of Narcan nasal spray, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. The Glendale Police Department showcased its SWAT vehicle and handed out stickers and pens, while Waste Resources offered a spin-the-wheel game with prizes such as lip balm, pens, pencils, and mini beach balls. The Glendale Public Library’s bookmobile truck, a mobile library, also made an appearance, giving away items like pens.
Varooj Karibyan, a sergeant with the Glendale Police Department’s community relations team, expressed his enjoyment in watching children participate in games like musical chairs. He highlighted the importance of the police and fire departments’ presence in promoting a safe and pleasant environment for the community. “We essentially celebrate our policemanship,” Karibyan said. “I enjoy getting in there with some of the kids, playing with them, and seeing the excitement on their faces. It’s a nice time for the community to get together.”
Edwin Sookassian, a teacher at Glendale Community College, attended the event to support his sister-in-law, who was recently promoted to detective with the Glendale Police Department. He also appreciated the opportunity to spend a summer evening out with his family, saying, “It’s just a way for people to get together … It’s nice to get out, see what’s going on in the city, and see what people are doing. I haven’t heard of the majority of the organizations here. It’s nice to talk to the people there and see what they’re doing.”
Longtime attendee Diane Tateosian reflected on her experiences at the event, recalling fond memories of bringing her now-adult grandson when he was a child. “It’s nice to see the kids doing something other than just hanging around; seeing them involved and just being part of the community — seeing what they offer here,” Tateosian said.
