California

State Farm Supports a National Night Out in Their Local Neighborhoods

During this year’s National Night Out, State Farm associates of Southern California stepped out in their communities to support the National Association of Town Watch’ s mission of preventing crime through the strengthening of neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. 

State Farm Agency Field Executive Cindy Stronks and Agent Maritza Gonzalez assisted Officer Candace Bobkiewicz by visiting local Covina neighborhoods throughout the evening’s events on August 2. “I was really moved to visit these neighborhoods and be a part of positive energy!” Stronks said. “Sometimes as our lives become hurried, neighborhood bonds aren’t as strong. Here in Covina that certainly isn’t true!” 

Stronks’ Agency Field Office in Diamond Heights has been actively building partnerships with cities like Covina in an effort to help citizens know that State Farm supports communities where our agents work. They provided monetary support for the National Night Out event, as well as coloring books and crime prevention materials. 

In Fontana, longtime resident and State Farm Agent Phil Cothran reached out to city residents at the Veteran’s Park, where the city had organized their efforts to continue building neighborhood bonds. “It is no surprise Phil would be there because he also serves as a reserve police officer in Fontana,” said State Farm Public Affairs Specialist Felicia Van Frank.

Cothran and State Farm staff provided crime prevention handouts to all who stopped by, while enjoying the festive event which featured an unexpected surprise – the Fontana mayor,  Aquanetta Warren, dancing on stage.

Foothills AFO Agent Nona Tirre took action by working with her Assemblywoman Norma Torres to provide residents of Pomona with materials for their event. When the Assemblywoman asked if Tirre could provide help, she jumped into action by providing thousands of crime prevention pamphlets and 500 fingerprinting cards for kids.

America's Night Out Against Crime was introduced by the NATW in 1984 as an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts. The annual event, which takes place in neighborhoods and communities across the United States, aligns with State Farm’s mission to manage the risks of everyday life by supporting strong neighborhoods.

Stronks said, “Involvement in these type of events demonstrate that we’re not only ‘just like a good neighbor’ … we are a good neighbor!”