Taking Back the Night?

By Cristina Garcia

When I envision a take back the night event I envision residents being out once the sun sets; people in numerous locations around town; in locations that might otherwise be too scary to navigate on their own. I see community members appropriating parks and kids playing and running around.

I remember Take Back the Night when I was a youngster and back then the community got together in one central location and we had a candle vigil that would proceed throughout the city. Unfortunately it did not have any bands, any big speakers, any fireworks, any gifts, but it was at night, we did feel safe and for one night we took back our streets, park, and neighborhood. It was also a time for neighbors to get to know each other, for neighborhood watch groups to grow, and for residents to remember how nice it feels to be empowered. I cannot imagine what it cost to get a bunch of candles together, but I am certain it cost less than our most recent Take Back the Night event and the outcomes were directly related to the event's goal.

But cost is not the main issue, effectiveness is. And while back in the day we did not have all the pomp and circumstance and a council that could take credit for it, we did take back the night for at least one night and we got to know our neighbors. Those new found bonds ensured that my neighbor would remind me if my car was unlocked, if I forgot to close my garage door, if there was a stranger lurking around...all things that were priceless and made sure that I was safer. I don't want to cancel Take Back the Night, but I do want us to rethink it and make sure that the event serves to empower the community and the city council or other elected officials.

Why am I just now commenting on this? I should have spoke up sooner. I have been irked by what Take Back the Night has turned into for years. I've seen it transformed to a daylight event, but this morning I woke up and read an article in the LA Times about how Boyle Heights has been taking back the night all summer long at the Ramon Garcia Park. Community members are coming together, kids are being active, and more importantly they are being kept busy and away from violence. I was left wondering why a Bell Gardens has not implemented something like this + we have the need, desire, and resources.

Check out the article of how a Ramon Garcia Park in Boyle Heights has taken back the night for a whole summer and ask yourself why this is not in your community? Don't you think it's not only possible but necessary? I am calling out my community leaders and council to step up to the plate and get something done. If it's possible in Boyle Heights I think it's possible in Bell Gardens and in communities around the nation. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tobar18-2009aug18,0,6197064.column