Author Archives: Nancy Nickerson

05 Oct

DIY Preparedness Drill Saturday 10/11/25 10am – noon

This year we’re letting blocks decide how they want to practice what we’ve learned from Map Your Neighborhood and previous drills. If you haven’t already, you will likely receive instructions from your block leaders in the next week. The Drill activities within the Blocks can be decided by the individual blocks.

a neighborhood gathering site
Nob Hill Stairs Drill 2023

Some possible activities:

–You may use the 10am start to practice “Drop, Cover, Hold On” and then proceed to your Neighborhood Gathering Site (Please bring your MYN booklet)

–You may follow the initial Drop Cover Hold On with practicing the 9 steps of Map Your Neighborhood (which includes going to your Neighborhood Gathering Site).

–use the time to get to know new neighbors and update your contact lists and skills & equipment inventories

–follow the MYN response plan and form teams and walk your block looking for incidents posted on telephone poles (alternately, have envelopes with situations for your team to decide how best to respond.

–delve into a specific predetermined topic as a team (communications, disaster kits, planning for sheltering in place or evacuation, focus on special needs, or whatever you come up with that will strengthen your block in a disaster.

09 Apr

2025 Potluck in the Park – Saturday, May 31

MWJN PIIP 2025
MWJN PIIP 2025

Thanks to everyone who came to the MWJN potluck in Cleland Park on May 31. We shared a delicious spread, with about 250 neighbors. Longtime neighbors and new. Grandparents and new babies. We had live music for the first time which was very special. We also had a successful silent auction to raise funds to keep doing events like this one.

Thanks to neighbors Paul (guitar), Larry (saxophone), Maya (trombone), and Ian (guitar) as well as special guests, Dahae (cello) & Ben (viola) who play with the LA Phil, but fit us in before having to leave for their evening performance.

Larry Klimas & Paul Andresen provide music at MWJN Potluck 2025
Larry Klimas & Paul Andresen provide music at MWJN Potluck 2025

Thanks to Nina of Radical Cooks, Dave & Lydia of Highland Park Yoga, Mark & Jenny of Byron Blatty Wines, Ceramicist, Paul Lam who donated a gorgeous handmade pot and all the local businesses and individuals who donated items for auction. Thanks also to all of you who bid on the wonderful selection of artwork, winetasting, dinners, museums and more. We’d also like to thank everyone who donated by cash or online to support our organization. If you missed the opportunity, you can donate with a credit card or PayPal here. If any of you still need to pick up your item, contact us at info@mtwashingtonjessica.org.

Our philosophy is that knowing our neighbors makes for a happier, safer neighborhood. Our preparedness program, Map Your Neighborhood is based on knowing your neighbors, knowing who needs extra help and what collective resources your block has available. Ben was on hand to help you find your house on the neighborhood map and to answer questions about the program. You can Find out more about MYN.

The board of directors of MWJN hosts this event. It would not be possible without support from Eunisses Hernandez and Wendy Castro of CD-1. Their office provided tables, chairs, canopies and permits.

Wendy Castro of CD-1 attended the event and kindly presented us with a certificate recognizing our commitment to bringing the community together. We thank Councilmember Hernandez for the honor.

We are all volunteers. We couldn’t do this without all the neighbors who volunteered to help with set up, decoration, Welcome table, food organization, Music committee and performers, MYN booth, Silent Auction and Clean up. We always welcome neighbors who are available to help – if you’re interested, contact us at info@mtwashingtonjessica.org. Thanks. It DOES take a village.

26 Sep

MWJN Disaster Drill 10/14/23

Our exercise focused on the Nine Steps of the Map Your Neighborhood program. MYN is based on knowing your neighbors, knowing who needs extra help and what collective resources your block has available to help ourselves in the first hour following a disaster. Find out more about MYN.

It was a fun time with our neighbors!

THE DRILL: Began at home: At 10am DROP, COVER, HOLD ON! Practice what to do in the first hour of a Disaster:

–Grab your Walkie-Talkie Radio. Turn to Ch 5 – Listen to Network, call & give your status

Get your MYN booklet and follow the 9 Steps:

  1. Check your Household – Make sure everyone is safe.
  2. Dress for Safety – Put on sturdy shoes, a hardhat or helmet, and leather gloves
  3. Locate your Gas Meter – Know where it is and know how to turn it off if necessary (but DON’T turn it off for the drill)
  4. Locate your Water Shut-off Valve – Know where it is and know how to turn it off if necessary (but DON’T turn it off for the drill)
  5. Check that you have your HELP/OK sign with 2 band aids stapled in your MYN booklet
  6. Place your Fire Extinguisher on the Curb – Dial should be green, invert, and shake for 30 seconds
    before placing it in front of your house for neighbors to grab if needed for fire
  7. Go to your Block Gathering Site – Where is it? Follow your neighbors.
  8. Select a Block Drill Coordinator to organize teams based on the number of people and what each person prefers to do. Distribute vests, radios & tools. The Drill Coordinator may join one of the teams. Teams check the block for incidents.
  9. After Teams complete work, Return to Gathering Site to share results

During the last hour all blocks convened in the “5 Points” intersection for a debrief session for feedback on what worked and what didn’t. Ben reviewed all the incidents and all the correct responses. Pierre also demonstrated how to shut off gas. And we had pizza! An educational and tasty event!