By NEIL KENNEDY

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, Charbonneau joined millions of Americans in celebrating National Night Out, an annual event designed to

KENNEDY strengthen neighborhood spirit and build partnerships between residents and law enforcement. This year, three of our 13 HOAs— Edgewater, ALTA, and Country Club Estates— hosted lively gatherings that drew impressive

turnouts from residents, community leaders and public safety partners.

Edgewater hosted its event at the local clubhouse, featuring a well-stocked potluck buffet and multiple information stations on Neighborhood Watch and emergency preparedness. Residents mingled while learning more about how to keep their community safe and connected.

ALTA transformed the Club House Pavilion into a festive hub with the help of commercial sponsorships that provided food for all attendees. Live music set the tone for an evening of connection and fun, with neighbors gathering to enjoy both entertainment and good conversation.

Country Club Estates brought the celebration to Edith Green Park, drawing in residents with a food truck and an ice cream truck. The relaxed park setting was perfect for catching up with neighbors and enjoying the summer evening.

Throughout the night, CCC staff— including Jim Meierotto, Kristine Bresnahan, and myself— visited each gathering alongside Sandy Batte of EPPS Committee fame. Our security patrol provider, Corporate Crime Control, was also present at all events, represented by Mando, Dan and owner Scott Castleman.

We were honored to welcome many of our law enforcement partners from the city of Wilsonville and the Clackamas County Sheriff’ s Office, including Wilsonville Police Chief Rob Wurpes, supervisors, detectives, patrol officers and even a K9 team. Also making the rounds were Mayor Shawn O’ Neil and City Manager Bryan Cosgrove, demonstrating the city’ s strong commitment to community engagement.

During the evening, I had the opportunity to speak with several law enforcement leaders. I was proud to hear repeated praise for Charbonneau’ s proactive safety

efforts, the strength of our Neighborhood Watch program, and the measurable results we’ ve achieved. One law enforcement supervisor even remarked that our coordinated efforts seem to have reduced criminal activity in the southern part of Wilsonville— making much of it“ unprofitable” for would-be offenders.

A program built on prevention and partnership

These results are no accident. In 2022, the Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety( EPPS) Committee recognized the need to reassess our public safety strategies. Rising criminal activity and broader societal challenges prompted the creation of an ad-hoc team to“ reimagine” security in Charbonneau.

The process began with meetings with multiple security vendors and an electronic security firm, as well as a community-wide forum on

See EPPS / 11