National Night Out coming to Thousand Oaks

Neighborhoods throughout Thousand Oaks will observe National Night Out from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 5.

This is the fourth consecutive year the city is joining the nationwide effort to fight crime and keep communities safe. More than 34 million people in 10,000 cities throughout the United States, Canada and military bases worldwide traditionally participate.

The event was established in 1984 and held each year on the first Tuesday of August. It is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that residents are organized and fighting back.

Activities include block parties, parades, visits from police, safety fairs, rallies and meetings. Residents are encouraged to turn lights on in homes and on porches.

Local sponsors of the event include the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, Area Housing Authority, United Way of Ventura County, Ventura County district attorney's office, and TOneighborhoodwatch.org.

Those interested in participating in the event can call Sr. Deputy Lee Morris at (805) 371-8362, John DiGuiseppe at (805) 429-2188, or visit www.toneighborhoodwatch.org.

--Sophia Fischer