Milpitas residents went all out for National Night Out on Aug. 6, hosting 29 parties in the city to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Police, fire and emergency medical personnel were on hand at each location to share information, network and answer questions from community members.
The first National Night Out (NNO) in August 1984 involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. Since then, the event has grown to become a celebration beyond just front porch vigils and symbolic efforts to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie. Neighborhoods across the nation now host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events featuring safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.
NNO events in Milpitas this year had neighbors coming together for dancing, food and classic cars.
Saundra Allman, a Longtime resident of the housing development that’s part of Bob McGuire Park, has been hosting National Night Out events in her community since 2017, the same year a Neighborhood Watch program began in the area. At this year’s party, Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua kicked off the evening with an improvised line dance to music provided by DJ Jose Luis Rico Jr.
Kami Collier first hosted an NNO party on Shelly Court last year, aiming to maintain a sense of community and inspire her neighbors to watch out for each other. This year’s potluck table was full of food representing many cultures, and a barbecue and pizza oven were also at the ready.
The highlight was a car show organized by Collier’s neighbor. Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano parked her classic 1955 Chevy Bel Air on Shelly Court, lined up with a 1967 Shelby GT500, 1973 Plymouth Duster, 1969 Mustang Mach 1, 1932 Ford Roadster, 1955 Chevy Suburban Wagon, 1970 Chevy Nova and 1969 Chevy Camaro. Montano was later joined at the party by Milpitas Police Chief Jared Hernandez.
