Block Party

The Public Defender’s Office hosted it's first Community Block Party in 2016. Always totally free,  the Block Party offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities and services, including free legal services from the Public Defender's Office.

The 2025 Block Party was held at DeFremery Park in West Oakland and was a huge success with over 500 community members and over 40 organizations in attendance to provide various services and information to the community.

This year's Block Party featured:

  • A criminal record repair clinic by the Public Defender's Clean Slate Unit
  • Immigration information and know-your-rights trainings by our Immigration Unit
  • Bike raffles
  • Free food
  • Live music from DJ Rack 12 
  • Bouncy house, painting, face painting and more for the kids
  • A free Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic
  • Book giveaways
  • Job training and placement services 
  • Acupuncture
  • Yoga
  • Benefits eligibility information
  • Public Health Information
Kid with bike they just won in raffle
BACS booth
Person receiving information at Block Party booth
Person receiving information at Block Party booth
CURYJ Reps Posing in front of booth
Public Defender Staff Flipping Burgers on Grill
Mayor Barbara Lee Talking to Community Member
Community Members posing for camera at block party

Thank you to this year's generous Sponsors and Community Partners:

2025 Block Party Sponsor Logos

Scroll through more photos from the 2019 Block Party here:

The Block Party wouldn't be possible without the hard work of the dozens of Public Defender staff who give their time to plan and staff this event, and the support of our generous sponsors.
And special thanks to DJ Rack 12 (aka Rob Meraz) for always making it a party!
DJ Rack12 teaching little boy to DJ
All photos by Florence Middleton

DISCLAIMER: This site is meant to provide information of a general nature which you should verify with an attorney before relying upon it. It does not provide legal advice and is not meant to establish an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice you should ALWAYS contact an attorney.