The Purche Neighborhood Watch celebrated its five-year anniversary Monday Feb. 11 with a potluck dinner and appearances from local dignitaries. In attendance were approximately 30 residents, as well as the Honorable Mayor of Gardena, Paul Tanaka, Councilmembers Tasha Cerda and Ron Ikijeri, and Gardena Police Chief Ed Medrano.
The Purche Neighborhood Watch celebrated its five-year anniversary Monday Feb. 11 with a potluck dinner and appearances from local dignitaries. In attendance were approximately 30 residents, as well as the Honorable Mayor of Gardena, Paul Tanaka, Councilmembers Tasha Cerda and Ron Ikijeri, and Gardena Police Chief Ed Medrano.
Started by Charlotte Lynch in February 2008, the group has grown to an average attendance of 25 residents at its monthly meeting. Besides local neighbors, the group also hosts a variety of speakers on topics such as the prevention of mail fraud, K-9 tactics, Infection Control of Adult Whooping Cough, and emergency preparedness.
Lynch attributes the success of the program to an engaged group of local residents, as well as the unwavering support and dedication of Chief Medrano and District 2 commander Lt. Mark Rickerl.
At the celebration, Tanaka spoke about the importance of neighborhood watch programs, and thanked the local residents for their involvement. Lynch was then presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Medrano.
