At dozens of neighborhood gatherings around West Seattle, that echoed the National Night Out people came with pot luck preparations, and got to know one another some for the first time, others reigniting dormant relationships. The purpose of the gathering was just that, to let people get better acquainted to help fight crime.

Many parties had block watch sign up sheets, disaster preparedness information and other information to share.

At one of the bigger gatherings at 48th SW and SW Dawson they focused on recycling, and even had a live band play for the nearly 100 people in attendance.

On Henderson Street SW near the Fauntleroy Ferry dock it was a truly multi-generational event with everyone from babies to a 101 year old woman who has lived there since 1949.

Elsewhere the party atmosphere prevailed but the purpose was served. People who know each other tend to watch out for each other and can more readily come to someone's aid should they need it. The community, in fact all communities that function as a network of friends have been shown to have a marked effect on reducing crime.

Crime rates are down in Seattle, currently exceeding a 30 year low.