08/07/02 Bachman's National Night Out

The Bachman/NW Hwy community had the biggest National Night Out Event of the city.  It is put together by all the apartment managers around the area.  I support all the hard work they do for the community.  Especially, Linda Neel and Robert Cano.  It was a lot of fun for all the families that participated.  

American Bank picked up the tab on a lot of what was served for the people to eat.  The food was delicious and everything was well done. There was live music played by great jazz musicians.  I believe some were police officers. The kids had games and activities.  It all started with a parade lead by the Police and Firefighters.  The place was a fun place to be.  

Deputy Chief Alfredo G. Saldana who heads the Youth & Family Support Div attended.  He told me his Gang Unit will be more visible in our neighborhood to keep the gangs out.  Mayor Laura Miller made an appearance.  She spoke to the children first and then to the adults about helping us to have a better neighborhood.  We appreciate that she always makes time for us by trying to come to as many events as she can in our neighborhood.

An interesting thing happened to me just before everything ended.  Chief Bolton drove up with some escorts.  As he passed me, he came over to say hello. I greeted him and extended my hand (my mother taught me to always be polite).  He asked how my husband was doing.  I told him I have been divorced for almost 20 years and my only husband is God. He looked shocked and commented he thought I was married because in all the time he had known me he had seen me with a tall man (must be an angel).  Anyway, he went on to speak to the crowd.  I stayed behind and did not hear what he said.  As he was leaving, I again extended my hand and thanked him for coming.  I said, "Thank you, Chief Bolton, for coming because I know that it must be hard for you to come to this neighborhood."  Without missing a beat he told me he liked coming to this neighborhood because he had a lot of friends.  He said "You are the only one I know that does not like me."  I replied, "I like you BUT I don't like what you are doing.  And I pray that one day you will see the light.  I am not your enemy because I tell you the truth to your face as only a friend can."  I added that he needs to remember that this was a temporary place and eternity was a permanent place.  He smiled and asked me to pray for him.  I smiled back and I promised I would. I would like for all of you of faith to do likewise.

I share this with you all because we should always speak the truth in love and not water down what we believe.  Chief Bolton could make a lot of difference in this city IF he would only step down.  The job he now has is way over his head. Good leaders inspire those who follow them to do anything for them in a battle, but a bad leader destroys those he leads.  Sorry for this long message just wanted to share this interesting story with some of you who are my friends.  

Our city is in trouble and will continue to be until we have good leadership.   

Mary Lou Montes Zijderveld