All of Us Together

by Jamie Lopez

Imagine 20+ community-based organizations and agencies, our city’s political leaders and neighborhood youth helping to set up community resource booths and information tables and preparing a BBQ dinner. Now imagine some 200 neighbors congregating, surveying the information and eating at a community sponsored BBQ all together, exchanging ideas and working together in a show of strength for our neighborhood and the safety of our children and youth. Tuesday evening, August 7, 2007 this vision became reality: the neighborhood turned out for the 6th Annual Western Addition National Night Out at Hayes Valley Playground.

Sponsored by Community Partners United*, a collaboration of neighborhood groups, and in conjunction with our local SFPD at Northern Station, the event was part of a National Program where neighborhoods come out and occupy their parks and open space with positive programs and support for our families, youth and seniors. The essence of National Night Out: Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. This year included a resource fair, where community groups and agencies could reach out and provide critical information to residents.

Police Chief Heather Fong and Mayor Newsom look on as our amazing neighborhood youth perform during National Night Out at Hayes Valley Playground. Photo: Barbara Wenger.

Our community’s efforts are being noticed. Mayor Newsom was in attendance and personally visited with attendees, and SFPD Chief Heather Fong, SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White, Supervisor Mirkarimi, DA Kamala Harris and representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice were also part of the action. .A special welcome and thanks goes out to SFFD Station 36 who stopped by with a fire truck and crew and to our local beat officers from the SFPD.

Shout-out favorites were performances by the Western Addition Drill Team and the “Trash Mash” parade of our local youth dressed in costumes and hats constructed of recycled materials. There is nothing more heartwarming and inspiring than seeing the pride and smiles on our neighborhood kids as they demonstrate their strength and talents!