All across West Seattle hundreds of streets were closed off as neighbors held their own block parties as part of Night Out, an event intended to get neighbors acquanted to help fight crime, provide assistance in emergencies and make neighborhoods more cohesive.

Liz Green, an Upper Fauntleroy resident, speaking on the meaning of Night Out:
"I think it's very Seattle to not get out that much (and talk with your neighbors). With Night Out, suddenly everyone gets a chance to meet and create much more cohesion in the community."

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Neighbors of the 8800 block of 37th Ave S.W.
"You need an excuse to get together anymore, we might see each other and wave but it's not the same as gathering for Night Out."

"We tried it on Facebook and it just wasn't the same," one neighbor said, eliciting hearty laughter from the group.

About 50 people showed up for the party in the 8000 block of 39th Ave. s.w. and they shared stories about their lives, the community and enjoyed an array of surprisingly healthy food items from Cous Cous to Greek Salad though there were some S'mores and marshmallows being cooked over the open fire barrel.

36th and Henderson had a good group of probably 30 people who, (and we thank them) all expressed their love for the West Seattle Herald.

Down by the Fauntleroy Ferry dock in the 4500 block of Henderson a large party was underway, with lots of great food, plenty of wine, and some wonderful table cloths to make it fancy. This is a quiet neighborhood and one of the party organizers Gary Dawson talked about the party and his street. "I'm a member of the Fauntleroy Community Association, on the board and I've lived here for about 24 years and it's an incredible neighborhood. When the city started the Night Out program, and we heard about it, out neighborhood is so connected, with great neighbors we thought let's get together and greet our new neighbors. Even tonight there are four new couples. So as it continues to change we don't discount the entire idea of what this is all about. Joining together and organizing for emergency planning, and management. In fact if you notice there's a lot of material my wife has put out about that."

Many of the parties ran a little later but only because in West Seattle, neighbors really appear to enjoy knowing and talking with each other, and looking after their home turf.