The city of Davis, UC Davis and the ASUCD are once again encouraging residents and students to get to know one another in their shared neighborhoods.

Call it a giant get-acquainted party, if you will, actually a whole bunch of small parties collectively called Davis Neighbors Night Out, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5.

Neighbors Night Out began three years ago with 60 parties. Last year there were 80.

This year's goal? "Yes, indeed, we're going for 100 parties to commemorate the UC Davis Centennial," said Michelle Johnston, health promotion supervisor with Student Health Services, a member of the Neighbors Night Out planning committee.

Organizers describe Neighbors Night Out as "a celebration of our community ... an informal opportunity for neighborhoods to increase familiarity and communication among new and old neighbors by way of a block party."

In many cities, block parties are a summertime affair. Davis Neighbors Night Out is held in the fall, after students have moved in -- so they and their neighbors can start the new academic year on a positive note.

"We've learned that people who know one another and who know their neighbors tend to have safer neighborhoods and are better able to address and proactively solve problems that may arise in regard to noise, parking and parties," said Gary Sandy, local government director for UC Davis Government and Community Relations.

Organizers said events should be held between noon and 9 p.m. City and university officials, student government representatives, police officers and firefighters are expected to join the neighborhood gatherings.

The Neighbors Night Out Web site already lists more than a dozen events, most of them dinner and barbecue potlucks, plus a couple of appetizer potlucks. The folks on Seville Court are planning a dinner potluck at 6 and a dessert potluck at 8:30.

Anyone can sponsor a party, say, a neighbor or two working together. Organizers also encourage participation by neighborhood and homeowner associations, Neighborhood Watch groups and apartment complexes.

Recommended activities include potluck dinners and barbecues, dessert parties and ice cream socials, and cake bakes and cookie exchanges.

"These activities will give neighbors an opportunity to introduce themselves, get to know each other and, exchange phone numbers for Neighborhood Watch lists or future neighborhood events," the organizers said.

People are advised to register by Sept. 22 if they wish to take advantage of the city's offer to help with copying and-or distributing invitations. The city also offers party reminder door hangers, nametags, lawn signs and balloons.

Sign-ups are welcome after Sept. 22, but city help may not be available.

Registration

Registration can be arranged online, or by contacting Stacey Winton, (530) 757-5661 or swinton@cityofdavis.org, or Anne Brunette, (530) 757-5689 or abrunette@cityofdavis.org.