National Night Out arrives on August 3 — a highly anticipated event that builds public safety/community partnerships, promotes neighborhood safety, and offers fun activities for the entire family.

This year, the High Desert will host celebrations in Apple Valley, Barstow, Helendale, Hesperia and Victorville. Captain Ross Tarangle, of the Colorado River Station, said the Needles community is planning a similar event this winter when the weather cools off.

Apple Valley’s event will take place at Apple Valley Civic Center Park from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., complete with police vehicles, fire trucks, a Sheriff’s helicopter, SWAT equipment and McGruff the Crime Dog. Children’s fingerprinting will also be offered.

Barstow’s National Night Out will take place from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Dana Park, located at 850 Barstow Road. Live music, free hot dogs and children’s activities are planned, in addition to safety booths and information from local neighborhood watch groups.

The community of Helendale will celebrate National Night Out with a Community Block Party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Silver Lakes Market Shopping Center at 15075 Vista Road. Meet members of the Helendale CSD, Sheriff’s Department, Fire Station 4, CERT team, Citizens on Patrol, and Search and Rescue. Prizes will include flashlights, Ring doorbells, security cameras, first aid kits, fire extinguishers and more. 

Hesperia’s National Night Out runs from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, located at 15833 Smoke Tree Street. Meet your local Sheriff’s department deputies, police officers and fire department officials while enjoying fun activities for the entire family.

Finally, Victorville’s National Night Out will take place at Hook Park (14973 Joshua Street) from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Enjoy safety displays, food booths, and meet members of your local law enforcement community.

I encourage all of our First District residents to participate in this fun and free family event while taking the opportunity to thank our public safety members for all they do!