Fifth Annual Block Party Aims at Bringing Neighbors Together

Sometimes, it takes a party to get reacquainted with the people you live next to.

At least this is what San Tomas West Neighborhood Association President Jackie Wyckoff says.

"It’s a great social event," Wyckoff says. "You meet and greet with your neighbors and bring up concerns that are happening in your communities."

The neighborhood, bordered by San Tomas Expressway, W. Campbell Avenue, San Tomas Aquino Road and Payne Avenue, and within both Campbell and San Jose is holding its fifth annual neighborhood Block Party this Saturday, June 16 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Kendra Way.

Wyckoff says that in the past, there were instances that neighbors getting to know each other at this event find out they worked together and began carpooling.

"They were fed up with the commute and decided to carpool," she says. "This event is aimed at helping our day-to-day lives. It allows us to help one another."

This last portion is something that is at the core of the neighborhood association, Wychoff says.

"It creates a voice for people who feel that their concerns aren’t being heard, by both the city of San Jose and Campbell," she says. 

Block Party Chairwoman and association treasurer Cathi Hall agrees.

"The true function (of the Block Party and neighborhood association) is getting together and talking with your neighbors, building that community that helps keep the area safe, aware and united," Hall says.

Hall has been involved with the neighborhood association since 2008 but this is her first time directly coordinating the big event.

. Both Campbell City Council and Campbell Police have said that neighborhood associations are an important component to the community and are vital in keeping neighborhoods safe.

"Neighborhood Associations make people aware that you have neighbors, allow you to stay connected," Hall says. "They let neighbors know that they do have a voice and a certain amount of power in the decision making process."

Along with the social benefit, the block party also allows families to introduce children to authority figures--San Jose Mounted Police, Campbell Police and Santa Clara County Fire Department--in a relaxed setting.

Saturday's event will feature a jump house for the children, water balloon toss, a balloon twister, crafts and other fun games as well as popcorn, drinks and BBQ. Neighbors are encouraged to bring a side dish to share.

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