You're making a cake and realize you need just one more egg. What to do? Call a good neighbor, of course.

With students back in town for the new academic year, they have a fun opportunity to get better acquainted with their off-campus neighbors on Davis Neighbors' Night Out on Friday, Oct. 6.

The evening is being organized by UC Davis, the Associated Students of UC Davis and the city of Davis to help neighbors meet and build good relationships. A National Night Out was held in August, but Davis residents felt that it was important to wait until UC Davis students returned to hold the event.

Michelle Johnston, health promotion supervisor at the Cowell Student Health Center, says promoting neighborly relationships has become increasingly important as students rent more houses in the community.

"It's a waste of resources for police to come and ask a neighbor to turn down the stereo," Johnston says. "When you know the neighbors better, situations can often be approached more directly, with more positive results."

The city is asking neighborhood associations, Neighborhood Watch captains, apartment complexes, homeowner associations and residents to set up an activity. Different neighborhoods may hold an ice cream social, a potluck dinner or barbecue, a dessert party or cookie exchange. Already, more than 50 events are listed at the event Web site. Go to http://www.cityofdavis.org/neighbors/ for more information.

The city of Davis -- through neighborhood associations and Neighborhood Watch programs -- will provide event hosts with materials to help them plan their event. In addition, Nugget Markets is donating brownie mixes to encourage people to share dessert with a new neighbor.