Residents in Oakland celebrate National Night Out by holding block parties every August, with over 200 parties registered this year. City officials including Mayor Barbara Lee participated, engaging with community members. The event fosters a sense of belonging and public safety. Debbie Raucher, a long-time organizer, indicated positive community impact despite broader issues. Activities like face painting for children were popular, and Rita McKeon highlighted the event's role in connecting neighbors. Overall, National Night Out serves as a platform for friendship and community engagement.
"I think this event makes a difference," said Debbie Raucher, who has lived on Boulevard Way since 2009 and has organized her street's National Night Out party for the past decade. Events like National Night Out "create cohesion and camaraderie on the street ... While Oakland does have its problems, I look at what's happening on the federal level, and I'm so grateful to live here."
Rita McKeon, the resident services coordinator for Project Access, remarked, "It's just a really nice way for people to hang out with their neighbors, which is what it's all about."
According to a press release from the city, this year's event boasted over 200 registered block parties from West Oakland to deep East Oakland, showcasing strong community involvement.
At the Tassafaronga Village Apartments, artist Fah Wichuda with Rainbow Order Facepaint noted that her most requested designs for the children during National Night Out are unicorns and Spider-Man.
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