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.
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.
Very nice photo essay, Sara!!
Sara,
I really enjoyed your portrait of Oakland community vitality.