Our yearly Disaster Drill will be held on Sunday October 18, We have conducted Map Your Neighborhood training in more than 25 MYN Blocks to promote “neighbor helping neighbor” response in a widespread disaster.
2023 MWJM Disaster Drill
In the 10/18/26 training/practice Drill, we’d like people in each MYN Block to “check on their loved ones” in their house, then gather in their Block to check on their neighbors, then use 2-way radios to coordinate response resources with other Blocks. We will plant “incident” cards around the neighborhood for search teams to find and discuss an appropriate response to.
After the Block activities conclude, we invite people to gather at Five Points to review lessons learned, have refreshments, and meet neighbors.
Watch for more information here and from your Block leaders!
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.
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.
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
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.
