Neighbors and law enforcement gathered at 18 block parties to help Burbank "strike out crime" on Tuesday evening for National Night Out.
At the city-sponsored block party at Keystone Street along the Chandler Bikeway, neighbors enjoyed snow cones while children had their faces painted, threw a round in a bullpen or snapped a picture with the white Target dog at the company's booth. Residents could also hop on a police motorcycle or climb through a SWAT team truck.
"This is all about improving communication and cooperation in the community," Mayor Anja Reinke said onstage.
Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse also accepted a $2,500 check from Target, which was a corporate sponsor for the event.
Both LaChasse and the mayor emphasized the importance of building relationships among neighbors and reaching out to cooperate with businesses.
The public safety grant will be used to fund events such as National Night Out and Neighborhood Watch efforts.