In the face of tense relations between the Bay Area community and law enforcement, resulting from things like the Mehserle verdict and the general battle of People vs. the Popo, the SFPD says they’re working to come up with creative methods to improve the city’s community-police ties.
An example of this goes down tonight, as they bring “National Night Out – America’s Night Out Against Crime,” to the streets of SF. A block party meets anti-crime and drug awareness meeting meets neighborhood pride festival, the event hopes to generate support for their programs, encourage participation in neighborhood events, and improve relations with residents.
Ten districts each have their own events (Could the hipsters from the Mission District and the suburbanites from the Taraval district really co-exist? More importantly, would the Taravalers even know the route to the El Farolito, if they wanted to co-exist? “If the L doesn’t go there, we’re out!”)
Park District: The Boys and Girls Club, 1950 Page St. @ Stanyan, 2-5 pm. Toward the east end of our picture-perfect, Golden Gate Park, the BBQ-ing and games with Park Station Police Officer won’t end til the little ones tire them out. Word on the street is that some of those three year old’s can outrun many of the captains on the force.
Tenderloin District: TL Children’s Playground, 570 Ellis St, 5- 8 pm. The TL Children’s Playground turns into a mini circus of sorts, complete with hot dogs, drinks, face-painting, game booths, and a a bounce house (this remains one the best modern-day inventions, for both children and adults, looking to live life on the edge).
Richmond District: Richmond Station, 461 6th Ave., 6-8 pm. Rain, shine, or fog (or the “all-of-the-above” phenomenon the Richmond district is known to have), a tour of the facilities and light refreshments for the more distinguished residents.
Bayview District: Bayview Opera House and Mansell Plaza, 3rd St. and Oakdale, 4-8 pm. Come meet fellow residents and participate in discussions on how to increase neighborhood camaraderie. Woman in Viking helmet, belting out 8 octaves, not included.
Central District: Joe DiMaggio Playground, Lombard St. between Powell and Stockton, 6-8 pm. Refreshments served, police horses showcased, shiny motorcycles and not-so-shiny dirt bikes, as well as a “talking car.” Surely, Lindsey Lohan won’t be making an appearance for Herbie, Part II.
Northern District: African American Arts & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St., 5-8 pm. Located in the historic Jazz Preservation District, the event will include all sorts of entertainment, food, and community resources.
Ingleside District: 2800 Block of Alemany Blvd, 5 pm. Join in on this community improvement project, “Paint and Plant Party,” where officers and residents make a joint effort to repaint vandalized walls and plant star jasmine shrubbery. Make the area more aesthetically pleasing, while exercising your rarely green thumb.
Taraval District: West Sunset Playground, Ortega and 38th Ave, 4-7 pm. The always-successful offering of games, food, and guest speakers.
Southern District: Gateway Ave. near Northpoint, 6-8 pm. Food, drinks, giveaways, and police motorcycles on display, wowing both the kindergartner and the middle-aged motorcycle aficionado, alike.
Mission District: Valencia Gardens, Maxwell Court, 5-9 pm. View the fire department’s impressively red truck, participate in family activities, and don’t forget, there’s no such thing as too much BBQ.
Further details on National Night Out and its events can be found on the event’s national website.
