The Cupertino Courier
News
Neighborhood Watch wins many converts
By ERIN HUSSEY
When Steffanie Turini was a child, everyone her neighborhood knew everyone else and took pride in looking out for each other. Today, as Cupertino's new Neighborhood Watch coordinator, she admits many neighborhoods don't have that same community-oriented environment because of residents' busy schedules. She is determined to change that.
"It's really common to just get in your car and go," she said. "People don't even look up to say hi, so they have no idea who their neighbors are. But as you break that barrier down and have Neighborhood Watch meetings, they start getting to know each other and get that sense of pride within the community."
Turini, who worked as a deputy sheriff for Santa Clara County for 15 years, quit the force to be a mom. With her daughter now in high school, Turini knew she wanted to go back to work.
"I didn't want to go back to work full time," she said. "I didn't want a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday job, but something to get out there."
During her time as a deputy, Turini worked in the women's jail, on patrol, in the courthouse and in various community services. During her first few years, she admitted, she felt like she was walking around slackjared, but that didn't stop Turini from learning about her new surroundings. She found herself talking to the inmates and asking them questions. The result? Learning how criminals work, a key component to her current position.
"It was such an eye-opening experience," she said, "but after that I really enjoyed giving back in community service. I really enjoy doing more pro-active stuff instead of reactionary."
There are currently about 94 groups involved in Cupertino Neighborhood Watch. In order for areas to have the official Neighborhood Watch sign, 80 percent of the community's neighbors must be active in the organization and attend at least two meetings per year.
"It's any time you've organized something where your community is together," she said.
In a Neighborhood Watch group, members are expected to report any type of suspicious activity to the police and promote a spirit of community.
"Not only will it reduce the crime rate, but you're also getting that sense of pride within the community," Turini said. "I would like to see one in every neighborhood."
To learn more about Neighborhood Watch, contact Steffanie Turini at 408.777.3177 or steffaniet@cupertino. org. Information can also be found at www.cupertino.org/neighborhoodwatch.
(BREAKOUT BOX)
Holiday Safety Tips
As the holiday season approaches, the city of Cupertino and its Neighborhood Watch program would like to offer some safety tips.
While Driving:
Keep all car doors and windows locked, even when driving.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
Locate your keys prior to going to your car.
At ATM Machines:
Choose one that is located inside or in a well-lit area.
Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad.
Do not throw away your ATM receipt at the ATM location.
While Shopping:
Stay alert to your surroundings and beware of strangers trying to approach you.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or excess credit cards.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and mobility.
Always carry your California Driver's License or Identification Card.
For Your Children:
Teach your child their full name, address and phone number to give police officers. For younger children, place a note with your emergency notification information.
Keep children close and never allow them to make unaccompanied trips.
Teach children to go to a store clerk if they get separated.
At Home:
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible though windows.
Don't leave empty boxes for such things as a computer or TV outside. Doing so is advertising what new things you have inside.
Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
