National Night Out, Tuesday, Aug. 7 was a night of fun for several Stanislaus County communities, including Valley Home and Oakdale, with both locations participating in the event. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson and deputies were able to visit several events in the county to meet families and neighbors. Sheriff Christianson was able to make stops in Patterson, Grayson and Valley Home. He said that he had a great time visiting with families and the children in the communities we serve.

Burchell Hill Neighborhood Watch in Oakdale enjoyed a community gathering with visits from local officials and at River Paradise Mobile Home Park, organizers pulled out all the stops with food, beverages, a Hawaiian hula dancer to give a demonstration and lessons and specialty artwork demonstrated and on display. A group on Atlas Road also formed up to observe the evening, just east of the Oakdale city limits.