Bay Area Residents Hit the Streets to Celebrate National Night Out

Neighbors came together in block parties, ice cream socials, barbecues, potlucks, and caravans as part of the 28th annual National Night Out.

Belmont residents could choose from get-togethers in Sterling Downs, Cipriani, Fifth Avenue, Hallmark, Homeview and McDougal communities.

The crime prevention event was started 28 years ago by the nonprofit National Association of Town Watch as a way to bring communities together and present a united front against criminals and drugs.

Last year, more than 37 million people participated in the event nationwide, and organizers are hoping to break that record this year. Local cities set records of their own this year.

Oakland had 457 National Night Out events in 2010 and 550 registered events this year.

Richmond celebrated with a caravan that traveled to more than 20 neighborhood block parties.

Concord honored its police department with a celebration featuring live music by Stung, a tribute band that plays "The Police" covers, and a free sneak peak at the city's "ice-less" ice skating rink.

The San Francisco Police Department hosted 10 parties throughout the city to strengthen ties between police and the community.

More than 100 San Jose neighborhoods participated last year and San Jose police asked residents to come out tonight to give crime a "going-away party." 

-- Staff report