Category Archives: Community Interest

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.

05 Jun

2023 Potluck in the Park 6/17/23

Neighbors enjoying their meals at the 2023 MWJN Potluck in the Park
Potluck in the Park 2023

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023

Please come to our favorite social event! Meet your neighbors! Have fun!

Bring a dish to share – if you’re not inclined to cook, consider your favorite take out. Please label any dishes or flatware you want back with your name and contact info.

The park does not allow alcoholic beverages, but we won’t be checking coffee cups.

Kids are more than welcome!

Dogs must be on leash.

We will provide paper plates/napkins/cups etc. Most of what we bring is compostable. We will have separate trash bins for trash (non-food disposables), compostable (food scraps, paper with food on it, etc. and recyclables (bottles, cans, cardboard, plastics with logo). It’s starting to sound confusing but really it’s just like what we’re doing with our colored bins at home.

COME HAVE FUN!!!!