Imperial Beach Residents Invited To 'National Night Out' Events

IMPERIAL BEACH, CA — In an effort to promote community trust and transparency in local law enforcement, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department will host National Night Out events Tuesday across the county.

Imperial Beach residents are invited to celebrate National Night Out at two events at Veterans Park and South Bay Recreation Center. Community members will have a chance to meet deputies from the Imperial Beach Sheriff's Substation, learn about public safety resources, and check out sheriff's vehicles, including patrol cars. There will also be free giveaways, bike raffles for children and more.

The events will take place from 4:30-7 p.m. at Veterans Park at 1075 8th St. and from 5-7:30 p.m. at South Bay Recreation Center at 1885 Coronado Ave.

Other department National Night Out events are scheduled in Alpine, Encinitas, Fallbrook, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Poway, Ramona, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Valley Center and Vista.

National Night Out aims to promote strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, according to the annual community-building campaign.

More than 38 million people across 17,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases will come together for similar events. Communities celebrate National Night Out with block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other events.

"This is a night for our nation to stand together and promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity," national project coordinator Matt Peskin said. "National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement. When law enforcement and the community work closely together, some amazing things can happen."