August 17, 2006

Hoffman/Via Monte residents begin their march with community leaders and San Jose Police officers. The group nearly doubled in size as they marched through the Via Monte neighborhood.
Victor Maldonado leads a group of National Night Out participants in a parade around the Via Monte neighborhood, carrying his sign protesting drugs and gangs and promoting free community parks.

National Night Out event reveals a neighborhood
on the upswing

Hoffman/Via Monte residents begin to see the fruit
of concerned community leader’s efforts

By Jeff Frazee
Times Photojournalist

The 2006 National Night Out held in Chris Hotts Park at the south end of the Hoffman/Via Monte neighborhood had the feel of a community electric with excitement about its future. It couldn’t be seen in the podium speeches or the picnic dinner. The enthusiasm was in the faces of people like Sasha O. Stuart who said, “You watch. We’re going to change these kids. We’re going to keep them off of drugs and out of gangs.”

Most passionate of all were the 100-plus children. A small group of boys from 8 to 12 years old were the first to hit the streets as part of the National Night Out parade around the Hoffman/Via Monte neighborhood. Victor Maldonado took control as he marched chest-out and fist raised leading chants of: “No Drug, No Drugas, and No Gangs.” Behind him marched an assortment of parents, neighbors, police officers, and community advocates including one eager, young boy who’s chant revealed his innocent under-standing of what was at hand. He marched shouting, “Eat your vegetables! Eat your vegetables!”