Neighborhood Watch a necessity

Last Wednesday, I attended the city's Neighborhood Watch meeting at the Police Department led by Paul Tyler, our community-service officer. Cynthia Spears from the Placer Dispute Resolution Service also made a presentation. Numerous Watch Captains from various parts of Lincoln attended. The upcoming annual Neighborhood Watch Night Out on Aug. 4 was also discussed. Put it on your calendars now! I am writing today in lieu of the tragic events in Tracy with the discovery of Sandra Cantu's body. I am encouraging all citizens of Lincoln to become more active in our neighborhoods. Start a Neighborhood Watch if you don't have one. Don't wait for a tragedy to "be informed." Lincoln boasts a population of 36,000-plus but only about 1,500 are actually on the city's e-bulletin. Jill Thompson frequently e-mails city events, trouble spots in the city, and all kinds of information pertinent to our safety and well-being. E-mail Thompson at jthompson@ci.lincoln.ca.us and get on this list.The Lincoln Police Web site at www.lincoln.pd.org includes links to all kinds of information, including how to apply to "ride along" with a police person, maps of the city and who to contact for just about anything. There is a weekly fire and crime report posted, which informs us what and where criminal activity is happening in Lincoln. The city's Web site at www.ci.lincoln.ca.us is full of valuable information. Add these Web sites to your favorites.Things to remember: If you dial 911 from your cell phone, you will get a regional emergency service. If you dial 645-4040, you will directly reach the Lincoln Police and Fire Department. If you leave your car and home unlocked, if you leave your garages open and unattended, you are inviting "trouble." Subscribe to the Lincoln News Messenger and stay informed. Watch your neighbor's home as well as your own and you will be thricely protected. Every citizen, especially families with children should visit the www.Jessicaslaw.com and Meagan's Law Web sites www.meaganslaw.com. Be involved! Be informed! Be safe! We live in a wonderful "All America" city. It takes all of us to keep it that way.Happy to be a "Lincolnite."Fran Neves, Lincoln