The Neighborhood Watch conference is this Saturday, and there's still time to reserve your spot. It sounds like a great program, and they've just announced that the keynote speaker will be Frank Girardot, author of the CrimeScene blog and newly-named editor of Pasadena Star News.

From Carolyn Seitz:

Thank you to the many who have already RSVP'd for Saturday's Neighborhood Watch Conference at Loma Alta Park.

For those who haven't yet RSVP'd, we'd love to know if you're coming so we have a chair, materials and food for you.

For those bringing CHILDREN – please tell us the number of children you're bringing and their ages so the County Department of Parks & Recreation has plenty of age appropriate activities planned for them.

For PARKING – there is a lot at Loma Alta and Sunset Ridge (1 block east of Lincoln), another parking lot further north on Sunset Ridge, and a parking lot on Palm, just east of Lincoln, at the Community Garden.  If you park at the lot on Palm, a Sheriff's Department Van will pick you up in that parking lot and bring you up to the park.  The van will also return you to your vehicle.  There should be ample street parking on Sunset Ridge, Loma Alta and Lincoln as well.

Here's the PROGRAM planned for the day:

8:00 am REGISTRATION – INFORMATION BOOTHS – CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

Beginning at 9:00 am . . .

Welcome & Introductions – Director Natalie Salazar and Conference Chair Carolyn Seitz

Keynote Speaker – Frank Girardot, Pasadena Star News

Changing the Face of Neighborhood Watch – Director Natalie Salazar

Ask Your Mentors (How to Start/Maintain/Revitalize a Neighborhood Watch) with Tecumseh Shackleford, Sondra DeJardin, Adam Bell, Bill Westphal and Eric Pierce – a Panel Discussion

Are you Ready?  What role does Neighborhood Watch Play in Disaster Preparedness? – with Deputy Wilson Lee, Lead Volunteer Dudley Rainey, Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control -  Mary Lukins and Equine Response Team Lead Linda Horrell, Department of Public Works – Bob Spencer, Los Angeles County Fire – Chief Matta & Stephanie English, Community Service Liaison

California Crime Fighters, Personal Safety, Vehicle Safety & Target Hardening, Don't be a Victim, or Don't be a Victim AGAIN! – George Gaunty

LUNCH – A delicious hot lunch is provided for your convenience

What Did I See?  Be a better witness – Altadena's Community Relations Deputy Michael Prince and Deputy Douglas DeCesare, Community Law Enforcement Partnership Programs Unit

Gangs & Drugs – How the Community Can Make a Difference! – Detective Christopher Seitz, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Closing Remarks – end at 3 pm