Gains made in neighborhood safety Saturday

A typical resident might just go home after work and be shut in his house for the rest of the night, every night, not even knowing he has neighbors. That is what G. A. I. N. wants people to avoid.

 Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods is a program that tries to bring residents in neighborhoods together. Tortosa had its first G. A. I. N. fall fest and potluck on Saturday at Tortosa’s main park.

It was the city’s second annual G.A.I.N. event.

“It’s for neighbors to get out and meet everybody that lives around them,” Ellen Buddington, Tortosa lifestyle director, said. “It’s also a way for city officials to come out and be involved in the community as well.”

Maricopa Police Department Cmdr. James Hughes said, “Neighborhoods that have a sense of community seem to improve the quality of life for residents and they reduce crime.”

People from all around the area came out to the festival that included a petting zoo, pony rides, a potluck, bouncy houses, a pumpkin bake-off along and other activities. 

“We’re building a really strong sense of community when we do events like this,” Buddington said. “It’s also a way to promote our Block Watch program.”

The Block Watch program is a volunteer program in which residents donate their time to ensure a safe neighborhood.

Residents can pick up an application at the Maricopa Police Department. 

“We want people involved so if they see someone or something out of place in the neighborhood, they will know exactly what to do,” Maricopa City Councilman Leon Potter said. “It’s an extra set of eyes in the community. As great as the Maricopa Police Department is, they can’t work alone.”

Hughes said G. A. I. N. and the Block Watch program can reassure residents they have people they can count on.