Larceny. Homicide investigations. Hit-and-runs. A glance at local police blotters reveals a concerning stream of crimes and accidents. Understandably, most residents wish to maintain a safe distance from law enforcement: People are trained to get out of the way during emergencies, K-9 dogs have “DO NOT PET” warnings emblazoned on their vests and every driver knows the sinking feeling when sirens flash in the rearview mirror.
But on Aug. 5, Bay Area residents will have a chance to mingle with their local police and fire departments in a more relaxed setting. Hundreds of parties are planned in cities like Fremont, Union City and Hayward for “National Night Out,” a community-building effort across America that is now in its 42nd year.
“This is one of our favorite events every year,” said Officer Jessica Banuelos, who joined the Hayward Police Department six years ago. “You’re not necessarily responding to someone’s worst day ever.”
In fact, for some the parties are one of the best days ever. Last year, Journey Church East Bay gave out hundreds of backpacks and back-to-school supplies at their National Night Out celebration in Hayward. There were also raffles, free food and fun activities. “This year, we’re probably going to do close to 400 backpacks,” said pastor Juan Maldonado, who also mentioned free haircuts onsite for children who want a fresh look for the new school year.
In Fremont, more than 100 block parties have already registered for National Night Out, according to a spokesperson from the city’s police department. Those who don’t have neighborhood events are welcome to attend the Fremont Main Library’s block party, which is open to the public.
Hayward’s celebration this year will start with a caravan and end with free root beer floats at the police department’s new substation at Southland Mall, said Officer Banuelos, who added that the city has participated in these annual festivities for at least 20 years and “the vibe has always been to bring people together.”
Shifting times mean changing relationships between voters and police. In the recent election cycle, many Bay Area officials emphasized improving public safety. This year, Fremont Police Department’s operating budget increased 4% to $123.5M, while Hayward’s increased 4.5% to roughly $98M. This is a far cry from 2020, when advocates to “defund the police” successfully lobbied for a nearly 5% cut to the Hayward police budget.
Crime rates have also gone down. In their latest annual report, Fremont PD reported decreased occurrences across major tracked categories including “Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Property, and Crimes Against Society.” Union City also experienced a decline in serious crimes against property and persons between 2023 to 2024.
National Night Out can “send a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are united and standing strong,” according to Union City’s event website. The city’s police department noted that last year’s celebrations attracted over 5,000 attendees.
Community involvement strengthens relationships between police officers and the people they serve, Officer Banuelos explained, “It makes us more connected.”
Pastor Maldonado concurs. “A lot of what happens at these kinds of events: the neighbors come out to volunteer, helping unload things…trying to have some positive impact on our community,” he said. “We definitely go big for National Night Out.”
National Night Out
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Hayward
Caravan start: Southland Mall, JC Penney Parking Lot; 5pm
Caravan end: Hayward Police Department South Resource Center, 28695 Ruus Rd., Hayward
hayward-ca.gov/police-department/programs/national-night-out
Fremont
Fremont Main Library; 6pm
aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/68409698f3c40230007d282f
Union City
Union Landing Shopping Center; 4pm
