OWN/West picnic-goers defy rain

Undaunted by pouring rain, an estimated 200 people congregated under the Bancroft Park pavilion - even line-danced for a time with umbrellas - at the annual picnic/block party by the Organization of Westside Neighbors (OWN) and West Intergenerational Center June 27.        A total of 225 hamburgers and 150 hotdogs were cooked and 188 cans of soda pop consumed, according to OWN board member Rose Kliewer. Activities included balloon-twisting, a watermelon-eating contest and plenty of chit-chat. Unfortunately, because of the wet weather, sack races and some other events had to be canceled, and a large inflatable jumper that had been rented for the kids sat mostly unused because of the wet weather.        This was the second year in a row that rainfall has occurred during the event. Although OWN is considering changing the date to later in the summer when rainfall is less likely, Kliewer isn't sure she'd support that. “It's a nice, cool weekend, and if it's too hot nobody wants to come,” she said.        OWN is the Westside's lead advocacy group. The West Center offers a variety of community classes and services. Westside Pioneer Article