dev.citrusheightssentinel.com

Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • City Council to revisit possible annexation of 5.4-acre section on southern border of Citrus Heights

    City Council to revisit possible annexation of 5.4-acre section on southern border of Citrus Heights

    A map of the proposed area to be annexed is outlined in red. Fair Oaks Boulevard runs north to south and Madison Avenue runs east to west. // City of Citrus Heights
    A map of the proposed area to be annexed is outlined in red. Fair Oaks Boulevard runs north to south and Madison Avenue (to the right) runs east to west. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council is slated to discuss the draft of a potential annexation work plan involving a 5.4-acre section of unincorporated Sacramento County located on the southern border of the city.

    Three years ago, the city conducted an annexation study of five different areas of Citrus Heights, one of which included a small section at the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Madison Avenue. The study was conducted to investigate whether annexing specific parts of unincorporated areas of Sacramento County into Citrus Heights would be financially feasible.

    The results of the study were presented to staff during a City Council meeting in 2022.

    The possibility of annexation has been considered by the city since the first general planning meeting in 2000, according to Community Development Director Casey Kempenaar. In May of this year, two councilmembers requested that the city take a second look into the potential annexation of the northwest corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Madison Avenue into the Citrus Heights city limits. This area is currently developed with a multi-story commercial building, a commercial center, and adjacent multi-family residential units, according to the staff report.

    Annexing this corner would “square off” the city’s boundaries and “potentially” allow the city greater control over the intersection, which serves as a gateway into the city. The 2022 Annexation Analysis indicated that the annexation of the 5.4-acre area would result in negative fiscal impacts in the range of $5,541 to $16,287 annually, the staff report says.

    The capital required to bring the intersection infrastructure up to modern standards was indicated to be the cause of the hypothetical negative fiscal impact. However, since the annexation study, Sacramento County has announced plans to improve Madison Avenue, including the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard, with major roadway improvements.

    Construction is anticipated for 2026. Upon completion of the roadway improvements, the annexation impact is anticipated to be “revenue neutral to slightly positive,” the city said in its report.

    To annex any section of the city, those within the potential area of annexation must vote to be annexed into Citrus Heights. A work plan outlined in the agenda packet includes specific steps that the city plans to take, including outreach to property owners, local businesses, and other residents through phone calls, mailers, and a public open house.

    The annexation work plan is slated to be discussed with feedback from the council to be collected on Wednesday night. The full work plan can be viewed in the agenda packet here.

    Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at City Hall, at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

  • Citrus Heights man severely injured after street racing crash

    Citrus Heights man severely injured after street racing crash

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A Citrus Heights man suffered major injuries after being involved in a street racing crash in Modesto, according to the California Highway Patrol.

    CHP officers said that the driver of the Corvette, identified as 26-year-old Tyler K. Azadzoi, of Citrus Heights, had major injuries after he was ejected from the car. 28-year-old Ayesha Malik, of Richmond, was a passenger in the Corvette and suffered minor injuries.

    Officers responded to the crash on the afternoon of Aug. 10 in the area north of Standiford Avenue on Highway 99 northbound, according to local news outlets.

    CHP reported that a Corvette and Mustang were “engaged in a race” when the driver of the Corvette lost control of their vehicle and left the right shoulder. Authorities determined that the car rolled over several times before coming to a rest on Sisk Road.

    The driver of the Mustang left the scene of the crash and returned to their residence in Manteca, CHP said, adding that officers were able to locate the driver at his residence and placed him under arrest.

  • City to discuss potential purchase of Sunrise Mall parcels in closed session

    City to discuss potential purchase of Sunrise Mall parcels in closed session

    Sunrise Mall
    Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday is scheduled to hold a closed session meeting to discuss real estate negotiations with Namdar Realty Group involving three property parcels, according to an agenda packet released Friday evening.

    Limited information is posted in the agenda, which cites Gov. Code Section 54956.8, allowing for closed session negotiations “prior to the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property by or for the local agency to grant authority to its negotiator regarding the price and terms of payment for the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease.” The agenda lists negotiating parties as Namdar Realty Group and negotiators for the city listed as Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney and City Attorney Ryan Jones, with “price, terms of payment, or both” to be negotiated.

    The agenda specifies the parcels under negotiation as being APNs 243-0192-015, 243-0192-017, and 243-0192-012, which constitute the Sunrise Mall, of which Namdar Realty Group is the majority owner. Parcel number 243-0192-015-0000 was once home to Macy’s Men’s, parcel number 243-0192 is home to the main structure of Sunrise Mall, and Parcel number 243-0192-012 was home to Macy’s Women’s, and houses a significant chunk of parking located in the southeastern corner of the mall property.

    Namdar Realty Group, a New York–based firm known for purchasing struggling malls nationwide, acquired a portion of the Sunrise Mall property in December 2018, and then acquired another portion in 2020, which was home to Macy’s at the time.

    The property has declined significantly over the years, with only roughly 20 businesses remaining in a mall according to a count by staff at the end of July. The mall property can reportedly house 120 tenants. The mall building has also incurred over $500,000 in code enforcement violations as of mid-July.

    After completing a comprehensive inspection of the interior and exterior of the mall with the help of Sacramento County, and Metro Fire District officials, the city issued Namdar a Notice to Abate, but has said Namdar has not to date corrected any of the multiple major health and safety violations. Due to the ongoing neglect, the city filed a lawsuit against Namdar on July 15.

    The Sunrise Mall property spans just under 100 acres and is currently divided into seven separate parcels owned by five different entities, which has caused confusion and complications for redevelopment of the site.

    Namdar currently owns a 25-acre parcel where the core mall building stands and two 12-acre parcels home to Goodyear Tires, and the buildings which formerly housed Macy’s Men’s and Macy’s Women’s.

    The remaining portions of the mall property are controlled by Ethan Conrad Properties, JCPenney, Red Robin, and Antioch Street LP.

    The Citrus Heights City Council will hold a regular meeting in open session, following the closed-door meeting. The closed session begins at 5 p.m. and the regular City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Citrus Heights City Hall is located at 6300 Fountain Square Drive.

  • More EV charging stations coming to parking lots in Citrus Heights

    A set of new EV charging stations is being constructed in the parking lot of Best Buy off Birdcage Street. // SB Williams
    A set of new EV charging stations is being constructed in the parking lot of Best Buy off Birdcage Street. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Drivers visiting stores in the Birdcage shopping center might notice construction fencing and heavy construction equipment while navigating through the Best Buy parking lot.

    Heavy equipment, fencing, and piles of dirt could be seen this week in the far corner of the parking lot at Best Buy. According to Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter a new set of Electric Vehicle charging stations are being constructed. No date of completion was immediately available.

    The construction of more EV charging stations comes following the opening of a new set of EV charging stations across the street at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Macy Plaza Drive in the parking lot of the former Sears building. The charging stations, which were completed in the early summer, have already seen some use by drivers, despite the vacant buildings in the parking lot.

    The state of California has passed multiple laws in relation to electric vehicles, including an effort to ban gas-powered cars by 2035 and several laws regarding EV charging infrastructure.

    AB 1236, which passed in 2015, mandates that local governments streamline the permitting process for EV charging stations, requiring administrative approval for compliant installations and prohibiting unnecessary restrictions.

    AB 970, passed in 2021, establishes strict timelines for local jurisdictions to approve or deny EV charging station applications. It also prohibits requiring replacement of parking spaces removed for charger installations.

    Effective Jan. 1, 2023, a set of CALGreen building code updates require new residential and commercial buildings to include a certain percentage of infrastructure for EV charging.

    About a quarter of all new cars registered in California in 2023 and in 2024 were electric cars, according to a Feb. 5 article from CalMatters. However, flat sales followed several years of rapid growth, and sales are still far below the state’s 35 percent target.

    The California Energy Commission recently announced in March that the state now has 178,549 public and shared private electric vehicle chargers installed, which exceeds an estimated 120,000 standard gasoline nozzles statewide. The energy commission also said California has “doubled down” on EV infrastructure, approving a $1.4 billion investment plan to expand its charging and hydrogen network.

  • Longtime equipment rental center shutters in Citrus Heights. What happened?

    Longtime equipment rental center shutters in Citrus Heights. What happened?

    Rental Guys, also once known as Aba Daba Rentals, closed in July. // SB Williams
    Rental Guys, also once known as Aba Daba Rentals, closed its Citrus Heights location in July 2025. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    An equipment rental location established over forty years ago in Citrus Heights has closed, after being sold and re-named just over a year ago.

    Rental Guys, once known as Aba Daba Rentals, officially closed in July, according to Kerri Costarella, the daughter of the store’s former owner. Costarella currently runs Aba Daba Party Rentals.

    The property formerly home to Rental Guys now sits vacant on the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Cook Avenue, surrounded by fencing. A recent visit found company signage was still visible and had not been removed. According to the Sacramento County Assessor’s office, the building was constructed in 1963.

    Costarella said Aba Daba was a family-owned business that began with its first store in Sacramento in 1957 and then expanded to Citrus Heights in the 70s or 80s. The company began as an equipment rental store and later expanded into renting party supplies. Costarella said her grandfather, Gene Blackwell, owned eight stores.

    Costarella said the shop would rent out “almost anything you can think of,” including tools, truck trailers, tractors, small homeowner tools, big tools, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, and more. As her grandparents aged, Costarella’s parents took over, according to the company’s website. Costarella described beginning to work for the family business by first washing dishes after they would return from events. Costarella also traveled with the family to home and garden shows and American Rental Association and American Rental Association California shows.

    Aba Daba was officially sold to Rental Guys in May 2024, according to a May 3 press release in Rental Equipment Register. Costarella said Rental Guys also previously bought out Greenback Rentals. She confirmed that the company has since closed the Citrus Heights location as of July 2025, and continues to operate two other locations, one in Orangevale and one in Sacramento.

    An adjacent business told The Sentinel in the beginning of August that the rental business had been reportedly closed “for months” from his observation.

    Costarella said the sale of Aba Daba occurred following her grandparents’ passing and the retirement of her parents. But when Rental Guys chose not to continue renting party supplies, Costarella felt compelled to continue the party supplies side of the business.

    “This is a company that is near and dear to my heart. The business thrived, and we proudly served the Sacramento area for decades,” Costarella said, adding that she bought the party rental division of the business, named it Aba Daba Party Rentals, and has since moved to a location in West Sacramento.

    “It’s way different than not having the both of them; it’s an adjustment for sure,” she said, but also added that things are going well for the party rental business so far.

    “It was important to me to keep part of the business in the family, and I wanted to focus on the elements that bring me so much joy: planning and organizing equipment for parties and other celebrations,” Costarella said, adding that she is also happy to see her grandfather’s and her parents’ business continue on through Rental Guys.

  • Historical highway placard unveiling planned in Citrus Heights

    Historical highway placard unveiling planned in Citrus Heights

    San Juan High School
    San Juan High School is located at 7551 Greenback Ln. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    For history lovers and travel enthusiasts, a new historical placard will give residents and visitors a glimpse into the region’s historic past.

    A Lincoln Highway placard will be unveiled at a ceremony on Aug. 15 at San Juan High School’s theater, marking the high school as one of the stops along the transcontinental highway that stretched from California to New York.

    The ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will include multiple speakers from the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter, Citrus Heights Historical Society, and San Juan High School’s principal.

    The placard’s development was made possible through partnerships between the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter, the San Juan Unified School District facilities team, and the City of Citrus Heights General Services Department, among others.

    Andrew Saunders, a representative of the Lincoln Highway Association, said the sign is already fabricated and currently covered with protective plastic. It is mounted on a metal frame, hanging from a lamp post in front of the high school’s office.

    The Lincoln Highway, America’s first transcontinental roadway, once routed travelers through areas including Roseville, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, and Fair Oaks. Saunders said the new signage is intended to promote “travel and tourism for points of interest” along the route, encouraging visitors to stop at sites like the historic Rusch Home in Citrus Heights, and others.

    Saunders’ vision to bring awareness to the legacy and history of the Lincoln Highway reaches beyond Citrus Heights.

     “You come to Roseville, you go down Auburn,” he explained, noting that the route historically connected through Greenback Lane and Madison Avenue before crossing the American River via a 1915 bridge in Folsom.

    The effort is part of a larger goal to have the Sacramento–Sierra Historic Lincoln Highway Corridor recognized by the California Tourism Board as a historically significant landmark. Saunders envisions a promotional route highlighting stops in Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, and other communities, linking travelers to downtown Sacramento.

    Along the way, historical placards in Orangevale and Fair Oaks are also being connected to the project, with plans to extend markers into Foothill Farms and Arden-Arcade.

    “I’ve had really good feedback every time I do a presentation,” Saunders said, expressing optimism that the project will draw more people to Citrus Heights to explore its history.

    The ceremony at San Juan High School’s theater will last about an hour and is open to the public. San Juan High School is located at 7551 Greenback Ln.

  • Meet the artist behind this Citrus Heights mural

    `Artist "Mammxth" stands in front of one of 2 murals he painted at Beach Hut Deli. // SB WIlliams
    Artist “Mammxth” stands in front of one of two murals he painted at Beach Hut Deli in Citrus Heights. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Anyone who’s stepped inside Beach Hut Deli in Citrus Heights is bound to notice two beach-themed murals that lend bold creativity to the laid back atmosphere.

    The artist behind the colorful wall art is Andre Shaw, more widely known as Mammxth (pronounced Mammoth). At the request of owner Matt Dockendorf, Shaw painted two murals following the deli’s interior remodel.

    In keeping with the beach theme prevalent throughout, Shaw painted one mural of a giant shark’s mouth against a bold red backdrop, and another of a skeleton with long blond hair wearing a black bandana, with the ocean, sandy beach, palm trees, and a blue sky in the background. Above the skeleton, large graffiti-style text reads “BEACH HUT” in blue letters and “DELI” in red letters.

    Shaw said during a sit-down interview with The Sentinel that he grew up in North Highlands and would “draw for hours,” as a kid, but while growing up, he did everything but chase art until he was well into adulthood.

    After he turned thirty, Shaw began to learn to draw detailed caricatures, and when he posted finished artwork online, people began to request custom artwork. From there, Shaw said everything “snowballed.”

    “I went from drawing with markers and pencils, doing character-style portraits for people, then got into painting, and the first thing I painted was my daughter’s jean jacket,” Shaw said, adding that the minute he posted it, people began requesting customized painted products from him, such as hats, backpacks and shoes.

    Painting murals wasn’t something Shaw initially saw himself doing, even as his art career began to take off.

    “I started running into people who didn’t want jackets or shoes but wanted artwork on canvases. It was always at the request of someone, and then all of a sudden it got me into something else,” Shaw said.

    As he began painting on canvases, Shaw recalled that a friend asked if he would be willing to do live painting at an art event. After he successfully completed his first live painting, Shaw said he began live painting at events regularly. Shaw live-painted at the first Art Beat in Citrus Heights, led by Citrus Heights Arts founder Gigi Rayford. Shaw said Rayford was the first person to pay him to live paint.

    “That’s how I ended up getting more discovered,” Shaw explained. The first time he was asked to do a mural was after a councilmember saw him painting in Oak Park during Juneteenth one year and connected him with Wide Open Walls.

    Now, having grown up in North Highlands, Shaw made it a point to work with schools in the area to paint and bring art onto campuses as much as possible.

    Shaw’s Instagram account shows dozens of photos of customized artwork on hats, jackets, and backpacks, as well as murals he’s completed over the years. Most of his murals pictured on Instagram feature African American caricatures and culture.

    The artwork at Beach Hut Deli was completed during the new owner’s remodel a couple of years ago. More recently, Shaw completed multiple murals on the walls of DarkHeart Brewing, along with another mural on the wall of Stones Gambling Hall.

    As for future endeavors, Shaw has joined with Rayford to help promote the new CH40 Arts District and plans to paint more murals in Citrus Heights but he did not disclose when and where just yet.

    Shaw has also begun to expand outside of Sacramento County and has accepted an invite to participate in an arts festival called Old Town Walls in Ontario, California. The festival features multiple artists from different cities, Shaw said.

    “It’s time,” Shaw said, when talking about expanding his career outside Sacramento County.

  • Citrus Heights Police: Two arrested on murder charges in relation to 2024 fentanyl-related death

    Luis Romero-Espinoza and Gabriela Valenzuela were taken into custody Aug. 5, 2025, by CHPD. // Citrus Heights Police Department
    Luis Romero-Espinoza and Gabriela Valenzuela were taken into custody Aug. 5, 2025, by CHPD. // Citrus Heights Police Department

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Citrus Heights Police arrested two suspects who are suspected to have contributed to the fentanyl-related death of a 25-year-old Citrus Heights man in October 2024.

    In an Aug. 7 press release, Citrus Heights Police said 20-year-old Gabriela Valenzuela and 22-year-old Luis Romero-Espinoza were taken into custody on Aug. 5 and are being charged with homicide resulting from the victim’s fentanyl overdose, as well as felony illegal drug sales.

    On Oct. 23, 2024, police responded to a residence in Citrus Heights after receiving reports of an unresponsive adult male. Despite lifesaving efforts by police and medical personnel, the man died at the scene, authorities said.

    Detectives responded and found evidence indicating the victim had died from a fentanyl overdose. After investigating, detectives determined that Valenzuela and Romero-Espinoza provided the fentanyl that caused the victim’s death. Multiple search warrants were executed, according to the release.

    Luis Romero-Espinoza (Left) and Gabriela Valenzuela (Right) were taken into custody Aug. 5, 2025, by CHPD. // Citrus Heights Police Department
    Luis Romero-Espinoza (Left) and Gabriela Valenzuela (Right) were taken into custody Aug. 5, 2025, by CHPD. // Citrus Heights Police Department

    “Investigators found evidence that both suspects had full knowledge of the dangers associated with fentanyl prior to its sale to the victim,” police said in the media release.

    Both Valenzuela and Romero-Espinoza are in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail and are ineligible for bail, records show.

    Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid, and just two milligrams, or the equivalent of a few grains of salt, can be fatal. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns, “One Pill Can Kill.”

    “Drug dealers who knowingly sell fentanyl-laced substances that result in death can and will be prosecuted for murder under California law. The Citrus Heights Police Department is committed to holding drug traffickers accountable and urges the public to understand the deadly consequences of fentanyl use and distribution,” police said.

    Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department Crime Tip Line at 916-727-5524. Those who would like to remain anonymous can call the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers tip hotline at (916) 443-HELP. Anonymous information leading to the arrest of suspects for any Citrus Heights crimes may be eligible for a cash award.

    Law enforcement encourages anyone who is struggling with substance abuse to seek appropriate, professional help.

  • 2025 Citrus Heights Police Logs Spotlight: July 31-Aug 6

    Sentinel Staff report–
    Latest police logs for Citrus Heights show an increase in overall incidents, including 911 hangups and theft, while showing a drop in vandalism and violent/threats incidents. Below are police log incidents from July 31-Aug. 6, 2025

    • Fireworks: 4 (down from 5)
    • Animal control: 10 (up from 9)
    • 911 hangups: 55 (up from 36)
    • Code enforcement: 40 (down from 64)
    • Traffic accidents: 31 (same as prior week)
    • Vehicle violations: 288 (down from 309)
    • Theft: 36 (up from 24)
    • Homeless-related: 27 (up from 17)
    • Vandalism: 8 (down from 9)
    • Violent/threats: 22 (down from 31)
    • Disturbance: 91 (up from 73)
    • Suspicious circumstances: 179 (up from 162)
    • All incidents: 1,314 (up from 1,258)

    Arrest logs are available here. Incident Logs are accessible below.

    07-31-2025 Activity Log | 08-01-2025 Activity Log | 08-02-2025 Activity Log | 08-03-2025 Activity Log | 08-04-2025 Activity Log | 08-05-2025 Activity Log | 08-06-2025 Activity Log

    The Citrus Heights Police Department notes that its logs “are not intended as a full and complete list of all police activity,” with some information not displayed for legal reasons, such as arrests of minors. As such, police advise that summary totals based on public logs may differ from weekly incident and arrest totals posted by police on social media.

    The department notes on its website that: “All arrested suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Additionally, the original crimes, nature of offenses, and charges may be amended or dismissed as further information is made available.”

    The Citrus Heights Police Department notes that its logs “are not intended as a full and complete list of all police activity,” with some information not displayed for legal reasons, such as arrests of minors. As such, police advise that summary totals based on public logs may differ from weekly incident and arrest totals posted by police on social media.

    The department notes on its website that: “All arrested suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Additionally, the original crimes, nature of offenses, and charges may be amended or dismissed as further information is made available.”

    Editor’s Note: police log summaries are published with assistance from AI, but edited by humans. Please contact us if you spot an error.

  • Police, neighbors, businesses, celebrate National Night Out in Citrus Heights

    Community members and Citrus Heights Police gathered together at Foundation Christian Church for a National Night Out event hosted by CHASEN, Aug. 5, 2025. // SB Williams
    Community members and Citrus Heights Police gathered together at Foundation Christian Church for a National Night Out event, Aug. 5, 2025. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beith Williams–
    This year, 14 registered National Night Out events took place throughout Citrus Heights on Tuesday, Aug. 5, including some inaugural events, as well as events hosted at new locations that don’t typically see National Night Out events.

    Citrus Heights Police Commander Kris Frey said the police department broke into teams and visited each event throughout the evening. Frey highlighted the importance of coming together in order to build relationships with community members across the city.

    Notably this year, Sprouts Farmers Market hosted a large National Night Out Event in the store’s parking lot, which included free food and time to gather and socialize. Sprouts wasn’t the only businesses helping to sponsor a National Night Out event this year. 7-Eleven on Woodmore Oaks Drive in Orangevale also sponsored an event in partnership with the Woodmore Oaks Neighborhood Watch.

    Neighborhood Area 1 held a National Night Out event at Lichen K-8, according to the city’s website, which included free hot dogs and other food, vendors and games and activities.

    Citrus Heights City Councilmember Porsche Middleton participated in a Pokémon Go party at San Juan Park on Mariposa Avenue. The event included food, games, and a special focus on catching Pokémon using the popular gaming smartphone app, Pokémon Go.

    Citrus Heights Area Seven Eight Nine moved their annual National Night Out celebration from its annual location of C-Bar-C park to the campus of Foundation Christian Church off Wonder Street. Acting secretary for the neighborhood association Stephanie Martinez said the move was made due to the extreme heat experienced last year during National Night Out.

    Martinez added that there were benefits to hosting at the church versus at the park, including easier access for setting up, the ability to use a kitchen, and plenty of indoor seating. The event offered many of the same things as last year, including hot dogs, chips, snow cones, cotton candy, and other desserts. A small crowd filled multiple round tables inside, socializing while they ate.

    This year, Sylvan Old Auburn Road (SOAR) neighborhood association partnered with the Veterans Community Center and the Daughters of the American Revolution to host a National Night Out event at the Veterans Community Center on Sylvan Road. The event featured visits from the police department, music, games and barbeque food.

    “Every year there are new neighbors,” Frey said. “There’s no better way to network with people, socialize and get to know one another, than by and breaking bread.”

    National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. According to Natw.org, National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations, and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.