NEN (Neighborhood Empowerment Network) recognized the following three organizations in the Taraval Police District during the Sixth Annual Awards ceremony: Best Merchant Association of the Year – Ocean Avenue Association; Outstanding Neighborhood Watch – La Playa SAFE Neighborhood Watch; and NEN Lifetime Achievement – Marc Christensen of METNA (Merced Extension Triangle Neighborhood Association).
Ocean Avenue Association is composed of businesses, residents, and professionals along Ocean Avenue corridor between Manor Drive and Interstate 280. Its members have worked tirelessly to foster a vibrant area where businesses and visitors thrive. Their effort attracted Whole Foods to open a store and new residents to become stakeholders. On behalf of Ocean Avenue Association, Mary Harris accepted NEN’s 2013 Best Merchant Association of the Year.
La Playa SAFE Neighborhood Watch is very fortunate to have concerned residents who are willing to spend their hard earned time for the safety of their community. The La Playa neighborhood is close to beautiful Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park. Additionally, the terminus of the MUNI “N” streetcar is in the area. Therefore the neighborhood has seen a lot of transient populations as well as tourists. The members of the Watch have done an outstanding job of maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors. John Zwolinski accepted NEN’s 2013 Outstanding Neighborhood Watch on behalf of the La Playa residents.
Marc Christensen–a long time volunteer and leader of METNA (Merced Extension Triangle Neighborhood Association), has made numerous and invaluable contributions for the improvement of his community. He has been an advocate for a range of issues from improving public transit service to updating sewage lines. Marc was instrumental in having a dog park constructed in the area. Residents unequivocally speak highly of his efforts and personable traits. The residents of METNA, therefore, are very proud to see Marc awarded the NEN’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award!”
Captain Curtis Lum of Taraval Police Station is deeply humbled and honored to have the above mentioned invidiuals-Mary Harris, John Zwolinski, and Marc Christensen, also serve as members of his Community Police Advisory Board. The men and women of Taraval Station congratulates them and their respective organizations!
Marc Christensen gives a thank you speech following his Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mary Harris accepts the Best Merchant Association Award on behalf of Ocean Avenue Association.
John Zwolinski of La Playa poses with family after receiving, on behalf of his Neighborhood Watch group, the best Neighborhood Watch Award.