"Crash!" Peering through the window I see, and hear, that the new neighbors are putting out their trash cans for the day's regularly scheduled trash pick up. In the distance are the rumbling sounds of Jim's pick-up approaching the neighborhood. As usual, he is right on schedule for his 5:30 a.m. arrival to his home across the street. I hear a splat and a thud over and over again as newspaper after newspaper is tossed until the sounds fade into the distance. Just to make sure, I open the door to confirm that it is, in fact, the neighbors' teenager delivering the daily paper. At 6:30 a.m. the starting sounds of Bruce's Toyota begins. It's events like these that continue on into the day and night in my neighborhood.

Most of us know the ins-and-outs of the events that occur in our neighborhoods. We are aware of our neighbors' routines and notice little things, like too many newspapers piled up on someone's walkway. Typically, we know if something is common place, out of sorts or of concern.

In this respect, we are all part of a "neighborhood watch" and may not realize it because it hasn't been formalized by a set meeting place, date and time each month. The fact remains, however, that when we move into a neighborhood, we have goals and expectations similar to that of the Neighborhood Watch program. We all want to reside in a safe, desirable, pleasant and informed neighborhood that has our fellow neighbor and community's best interest at heart. And, most of us are more than happy to be on the look out to see that this happens.

Acknowledging this fact, one is left to ponder why there is not a Neighborhood Watch program established in every neighborhood in the Santa Clarita Valley. "Currently, there are 100 active Neighborhood Watch programs in the community," informs Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station Communications Deputy Gerri McCorkle.

Many feel they simply just don't have the time. The fast-paced society we live in today prevent many from getting involved. It seems easier and less time consuming to contribute money to a cause or to turn a stiff neck in another direction and think, "I'll get involved next time."

Others question the need for a Neighborhood Watch program in a designated "safe" city like Santa Clarita Valley. The answer to this question is a simple one. The Santa Clarita Valley is an affluent, fast-growing community, which, while very safe, can also be tempting to individuals interested in committing crimes like burglary and theft. And there are numerous examples both here and in other very safe communities where the unthinkable has happened. How many times have we seen a newscaster interviewing an awestruck bystander who can't help but say, "We live in such a nice neighborhood. I can't believe anything like this could happen here." Without focusing on doomsday scenarios, it's still easy to recognize how a more formal Neighborhood Watch program can help prevent and reduce crime and other issues that are a blight on our city.

There are many pre-conceived notions about Neighborhood Watches and the people who are a part of these groups. What do you think of when you hear the words "Neighborhood Watch?" For many, this two-word phrase brings to mind thoughts of individuals who are intrusive, nosy and evasive.

Remember good 'ol Mrs. Kravitz? She was the determined-to-be "well-informed" neighbor to the Stevens family from the "Bewitched" television series, and she couldn't be farther away from the average Neighborhood Watch member of today. The thought that Neighborhood Watches have a busy-body mentality couldn't be farther from the truth. The neighborhood watch agenda is one of good intent. "The goals of the Neighborhood Watch program are to provide community education, stewardship and leadership, as well as crime prevention and deterrence, and on-going communication with the community at large," informs Gail Ortiz of the City of Santa Clarita.

"Currently, there are 100 active Neighborhood Watch programs in the community," Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station Communications Deputy Gerri McCorkle

Today, it appears that many residents believe that it is the Homeowners Association's job to not only concern themselves with the maintenance that can benefit their neighborhood, but to address any problems that arise. This could be a factor that has contributed to the thoughts that Neighborhood Watches are believed to be outdated, and in neighborhoods with Homeowners Associations (especially those that hire security patrols), perhaps unnecessary.

Any one of these presumptions could be the reason Gail Ortiz noted that the Sheriffs Department is actively making an "effort to reinvigorate the city's Neighborhood Watch program" by organizing events to educate and recruit new block/watch captains from our community. They are diligently trying to introduce the Neighborhood Watch program to new people and bring them together with other captains in hopes of establishing more Neighborhood Watch leaders. Anyone who wants to get involved will receive important information like newsletters, neighborhood maps and phone tree materials. There are great resources and tools available as well.

Aside from these resources and the obvious benefits to having a Neighborhood Watch program, there could be some other wonderful perks to gathering once in a while for a Neighborhood Watch meeting. Many enjoy the good company of their neighbors for social interaction, and strong connections in one avenue can lead to things like traditional block parties. Oftentimes, new people move into the neighborhood and it's very difficult to meet people. With an established group such as a Neighborhood Watch, there is an automatic sense of community.

For whatever personal reasons we have for letting our responsibility to our neighborhoods be put aside, it is necessary for us all to watch our neighborhoods so we may preserve the safety and integrity of our fine community. Let's hope we do the neighborly thing by opening our eyes and ears and getting back in touch.

All it takes is a phone call to our Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station at 799-5164; Deputy Gerri McCorkle will be happy to help.

I hear the Smith's dog barking excessively; I better look to see that everything is alright in the neighborhood!