What makes a neighborhood a real neighborhood?

As the Harrises. Calvin and Jolyne Harris and their children Alayna, 17, and Michael Adam, 13, have found out that it takes just one family with energy and ideas to get the ball rolling. Seven summers ago, they suggested they and their Lorca Dr. neighbors throw a block party “We want a neighborhood that our kids can enjoy,” said Jolyne.  “We have great neighbors.”
It’s an annual event now - a Fourth of July celebration. There are events for the kids – a decorated bike parade, a rented water slide, sno-cones and popcorn -- and events for the young-at-heart, including a barbeque competition, a talent show, dancing and picnic fare.
Many of the neighbors have developed specialties. Peggy Dermody, for instance, has learned the ins and outs of getting the street closed for the day. Acorn St. resident Brad Wilson  has taken home the ‘coconut monkey’ prize for his harmonica playing at the talent show for the last two years.

But the event has proved to me more than just an annual party. Neighbors who got to know each other planning the block party came together again when an elderly resident needed help in maintaining his yard. They even enlisted the fire department to help cut back dry brush.

On Hallowe’en, Lorca Dr. is pretty scary, thanks to the efforts of the neighbors. And in winter, residents might surprise their neighbors with a big load of snow from the local mountains.

Want to throw your own block party? You can start by downloading the San Diego City Block Party Application below.