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Oxnard Police invite neighborhoods to National Night Out on Aug. 5
Summary
The Oxnard Police Department encouraged neighborhood participation in National Night Out on Aug. 5, describing the event as a way to strengthen neighbor and public‑safety relationships; signups close the coming Friday.
Paul Carganilla, community affairs manager for the Oxnard Police Department, urged neighborhood councils to host or join National Night Out events on Aug. 5 as a way to deepen ties among neighbors and first responders. "The best home security system is having a good relationship with your neighbors," Carganilla said, explaining the event’s origins and local goals.
Carganilla told the INCO general membership that the department coordinates beat officers and command staff to attend neighborhood gatherings and that, as of the meeting, 10 neighborhoods had signed up to host events. He said signups close on the coming Friday and that staff have emailed a sign‑up link to neighborhood chairs.
Several neighborhood chairs described low‑cost outreach strategies they have used in past years, including raffles solicited from nearby businesses, ice‑cream vendors, hot‑dog or taco carts, and donated chairs and tables. "Raffle brings people out to National Night Out," said a neighborhood chair who described using local business donations to attract attendees. Others said accepted ideas include hiring a food truck, offering potlucks, or arranging kid activities such as face painting or bounce houses, noting permits and county health licensing may be required for vendors.
Some residents raised safety concerns this year because of increased federal activity in parts of the city; Carganilla acknowledged those worries and encouraged participants to attend only if they felt safe. He said the department welcomes any level of engagement and will support neighborhoods that choose a low‑profile or at‑home approach.
Carganilla said he will try to visit all events between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to photograph and share department participation on social media.
Organizers and attendees were advised to check with planning and parks staff about permits for inflatables and with county public health for food vendors. The department and city staff have provided guidance by email to neighborhood chairs.
