Tonight, Tuesday, August 3, 2010 is National Night Out. My block will be one of hundreds where we'll enjoy barbecues & pot lucks, music and movies, community safety ideas and maybe some visits from police, fire fighters or political candidates.

Jill Kimball, a Seattle Times staff reporter, says the goal for the record 1219 blocks involved is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate participation in local anti-crime efforts and strenghten neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

On our street, what we most want to do are three things: to welcome and get to know new neighbors, to enjoy getting to know each other ever-better, and to look at our readiness to tackle difficult block issues. We wonder how to respond to a neighbor who seems disrespectful of another neighbor, how to address maintenance of a vacant lot that seems to attract garbage, and how we'd respond if there were a big emergency.

Already many of us send an email blast out if we're leaving town for a few days. We let each other know of new babies and serious illness. We broadcast information on pushy sales people or sketchy loitering. Tonight we'll seek to expand and update our neighborhood roster. We hope to get new condo owners to participate. We'll decide on whether to post "Block Watch" signs. And it's hoped, during the kids' movie, the adults will find ways to address the vacant lot and disrespect issues.

What's the purpose of your "block party?" How does your neighborhood deal with a neighbor who is seen as disrespectful or unsafe? How do you prepare for emergencies? How do you decide who's "in," who's "out," or who to call? We'd love to hear from you!