Once-troubled block celebrates

"We see what we have done on the 700 block as a model for what can be accomplished," he said.

Police Chief Susan Manheimer, who visited the block for about 30 minutes with McGruff the Crime Dog, seconded that thought, noting it was important for her to attend even though the block was not officially registered with police for National Night Out.

"This block is a perfect example of how everyone can come together to work for change," she said, adding that this event provides a unique opportunity for police to visit areas in business other than crime.

Among the changes, which came about following monthly meetings with residents, property owners and Vilchez as well as citywide assistance, are a rejuvenated neighborhood watch program, property upgrades, heightened police presence and increased street lighting and residence fencing. The residents also got together and wrote letters to the parents of gang members alerting them to the situation.

As a result of the drastic changes, Vilchez said the block began to see improvements in November 2004.

Maria Barraza, a resident of 20 years, said through an interpreter she thinks the neighborhood has turned "100 percent" away from gang activity. Now, the only problem that continues to plague the block is garbage, Barraza said, noting that other people use the block as a dumping site.

Tucked behind a Highway 101 sound wall, the alleyway, which still has poles with bullet holes reminiscent of the gang days, is home to nine low-income apartment buildings with 10 to 15 units each and about 50 children who have no parks or playgrounds nearby.

Although the Sureño gang members who once roamed the streets have almost disappeared, Vilchez said continued efforts are needed to help ensure that the frequently unsupervised children living in the area do not turn to gangs and violence as they mature.

"If something isn't done with the kids, … (eventually) we will be dealing with gangsters," he said.

Presently, Vilchez and some residents are considering an after-school program for pre-teenagers as well as a weekly movie night inside the garage of one of the most vigilant property owners, Mark Hecht of 735 and 739 N. Amphlett Blvd., who originally asked police to hold the October 2004 community meeting. He was the only property owner who attended last night's event.

The 700 block of Amphlett Boulevard wasn't the only block San Mateo police reached out to last night. About 35 blocks in San Mateo had registered Tuesday to have police officers visit them as part of the city's seventh annual National Night Out, an nationwide initiative sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The program aims to raise local crime awareness, strengthen neighborhood unity and improve communication between police and residents.

"The biggest thing is to get out and meet your neighbors and to know what is going on in your neighborhood - know what looks right and what doesn't," said San Mateo police Lt. Rick Passanisi. He added that officers hope to encourage residents to report any criminal or unusual activities and "to be our eyes and ears."

Passanisi said he expected a slightly higher attendance this year than last year, when about 30 blocks or around 1,000 people came out to celebrate.

He said several of the blocks registered had planned block parties of various sorts, some including pool parties, barbecues and games.

About 15 police officers planned to visit registered blocks between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. last night, said San Mateo police Lt. Tom Daughtry.

"It's a great way to see everyone in the community face to face," Daughtry said.

At this point, Daughtry said, no other block or neighborhood is deemed as critical to improve as the 700 block of North Amphlett Boulevard was a year ago.