National Night Out: A Photo Essay

Skater kids enjoy Bella Vista park early in the evening.

National Night Out, what a turnout this year! There were so many in the Clinton/ Bella Vista area I barely scratched the surface going to the three you see here. I started at Bella Vista Park, which featured a jumper, a book giveaway, and a potluck. Later on, my family joined me at the 11th Avenue Shrine for live salsa music and a Zumba dance class. Before the evening ended, I got a chance to check out a  BBQ on 9th Ave and E. 18th, which featured cars blasting funk music and kids setting off firecrackers right in front of the police.
What is National Night out? It started in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch as a means of meeting neighbors and law enforcement, and preventing crime. It takes place the first Tuesday of August every year.

 

Zumba demonstration at National Night Out
Zumba demonstration at National Night Out
Gathering around the food table on 11th Avenue
Gathering around the food table on 11th Avenue
Gathering to chat with neighbors
Gathering to chat with neighbors
11th Ave. shrine
Shrine’s-eye view of the live music setting up for National Night Out
Skater kids enjoy Bella Vista park early in the evening.
Skater kids enjoy Bella Vista park early in the evening.
A jumper near the playground at Bella Vista.
A jumper near the playground at Bella Vista.
People gather at the potluck tables, offering conversation and a breather.
People gather at the potluck tables, offering conversation and a breather.
Books laid out for the taking  at Bella Vista park, from the elementary school
Books laid out for the taking at Bella Vista park, from the elementary school
A barbeque on 9th Ave, hosted in a garage draws a talkative crowd
A barbeque on 9th Ave, hosted in a garage draws a talkative crowd
chalk games are laid out for family fun at the 9th Ave. BBQ
Chalk games are laid out for family fun at the 9th Ave. BBQ
Getting the steps right at Zumba on 11th Ave.
Getting the steps right at Zumba on 11th Ave.

 

Author Profile

Sara is a proud resident of the Clinton/East Lake area of Oakland, where she enjoys her current gig as a stay-at-home mom. She grew up in Minnesota and Colorado before moving to the Bay Area in 2006. She has a background in art and worked as a graphic designer for many years. She feels her connection to the community is best held by exploring new places, asking people about their stories, and bearing witness to the changes surrounding us all.

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