By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond is set to join communities throughout the nation on Tuesday in celebrating National Night Out (NNO) with events throughout the city. Aside from fun activities, NNO annually celebrates community spirit and volunteerism and aims to strengthen public safety partnerships that create a safer city for all.
Unlike past pre-pandemic years, this year National Night Out will not include a caravan, according to City of Richmond Crime Prevention Manager Michelle Milam. Instead, a group of public safety, community groups, civic officials and others will visit various sites around the city. Like in the past, a “kickoff” and “end party” will be held.
“We have encouraged everyone to hold events outdoors, use masks and PPE as an extra precaution and support vaccination opportunities,” stated Milam.
Richmond’s National Night Out “kickoff event” will start at 5 p.m. at North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church, 1427 Fred Jackson Way in Richmond.
From there, other Neighborhood block parties will be held between 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) throughout Richmond. Here’s a rundown of events:
Central District: The Belding Woods Neighborhood Council will host its event at Garcia Park 17th and Coalinga; GRIP will host an event at 165 22nd St.; and there will be an event at St. John’s Apartments, 121 West Macdonald Ave.
Northern District: The Hilltop Fairmede Neighborhood Council will host its National Night Out event from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Church’s parking lot, 3118 Shane Dr. with live music, $1 hot dogs, free popcorn, refreshments and more; and another area event will be held at Hilltop Green Park, Park Central St. and Parkway Dr. from 6-8:30 p.m. Aside from fun activities, free COVID-19 vaccines will be available—register at myturn.ca.gov and enter zip code 94803. Bring your ID and health insurance card to your appointment.
In addition, May Valley will host its event at Cheese Park 3500 Morningside Dr.; the 32nd Street Neighborhood Watch will host its event at 32nd St. between Roosevelt and Barrett; the Devil’s Drop Emergency Preparedness Team will host events at 727 Devil’s Drop Ct. and 1370 Riverside Ave.; the Ventura Street Neighborhood Watch’s event will be at 723 Ventura St.; and the North and East Neighborhood Council’s event will be at 543 31st St.
Southern District: The Santa Fe Neighborhood Council’s National Night Out event will be at Southside Community Park, South 6th and Virginia; the Shores Marina Bay event will be at 1 Shoreline Ct.; the Shasta Street Neighborhood Watch event will be at Lower Shasta St. between Carlson and Burlingame; Crescent Park Apartments will host an event at 5004 Hartnett Ave.; and Pullman Point Apartments’ event will be at 2989 Pullman Ave.
Richmond’s National Night Out “end party” will be hosted by the Coronado Neighborhood Council from 7-8:30 p.m. at 212 South 17th St.
For more info, email Michelle Milam at [email protected].
