No National Night Out in Menlo Park

While many neighborhood leaders in Menlo Park expressed interest in organizing a National Night Out event this year, none of them coordinated with city departments to host one.  

“Traditionally National Night Out is put on by neighborhoods," said Police Spokesperson Nicole Acker, “But no one has gotten back to us.”

National Night Out is a nationwide event that encourages community interaction between , , and residents through block parties. The goal of organizing a National Night Out event is to prevent crime and substance abuse by facilitating the formation of social bonds within a community. More than 37 million people in America participated in 2010, according to nationalnightout.org.

2010 was the first time that the Menlo Park Police helped organize one at the . But, this year, the police department isn’t going to be co-hosting one. Neither is the city of Menlo Park.

Cherise Brandell, Community Services Director for the city, said that she hadn't heard of any events being held within city limits.

“We did an event last year," Brandell said. “This year the police said they’d work with neighborhood groups, so we haven’t put anything together, because the police department was organizing it."

Acker said neighborhood leaders might have opted out this year, because it is the middle of summer camp season.

Families in Menlo Park who want to want to participate in the festivities, which include barbecues, block parties and live music, can go to the one in Redwood City, said the event spokesperson Malcolm Smith.

“We’re not going to be checking IDs here at the entrance,” Malcolm said. “Everyone is welcome.”

Festivities in Redwood City begin at about 4 p.m. Read this article on to find out more information.