August 12, 2026

Steve Medina/American Red Cross

Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, communities across America come together for National Night Out, a nationwide event dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods, building relationships, and promoting public safety. Here in Ventura County, the American Red Cross was proud to be part of that tradition, standing alongside neighbors, first responders, and local partners to help make our community stronger and more prepared.

The tradition began in 1984, when Matt Peskin, founder of the National Association of Town Watch, encouraged neighbors to turn on their porch lights and spend the evening outside getting to know one another. What started with roughly 2.5 million participants in 400 communities has grown into one of the nation’s largest community-building events.

This year’s National Night Out in Simi Valley was another outstanding success, with more than 100 organizations, public safety agencies, and community partners on hand. Families enjoyed demonstrations, educational exhibits, and the chance to meet the people who keep our community safe.The American Red Cross Ventura County Chapter brought that same spirit to its table. Visitors learned Hands-Only CPR, explored disaster preparedness activities, and spun the preparedness wheel to test their knowledge on wildfire safety, home fire escape planning, smoke alarms, and emergency kits.

The event was coordinated for the Red Cross by Linda Carralejo, Community Events Coordinator, who also oversees community donations supporting the Red Cross mission throughout Ventura County. Her steady dedication keeps the Red Cross visible and connected at events like this one. Leading Hands-Only CPR instruction was Sydney Highter, Team Lead for the Prepare with Pedro youth preparedness program. Watching kids and adults alike practice compressions was a reminder that lifesaving skills belong to everyone, not just professionals.

But there’s a lifesaving need that doesn’t wait for an emergency — it’s constant.

Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. A car accident, a surgery, a cancer treatment, a mother giving birth — none of these send an invitation. They simply happen, and when they do, the blood on the shelf is the only blood available. There’s no substitute for it, no factory that manufactures it. It comes from one place: a willing donor rolling up a sleeve.That’s what makes National Night Out more than a single evening of hot dogs and handshakes. It’s a chance to turn “I should probably do that sometime” into “I have an appointment.” One donation can help save up to three lives. It takes about an hour. And unlike a disaster, which arrives on its own schedule, giving blood is something you can decide to do today.Linda and Sydney’s work — coordinating events, teaching CPR — exists on the same principle: ordinary people, prepared and willing, are what make communities resilient. Donating blood fits that same spirit. It’s quiet, unglamorous, and it saves lives anyway.National Night Out reminds us that preparedness is a shared responsibility. Strong communities are built through education, partnerships, volunteerism, and neighbors looking out for one another — including, quite literally, keeping the blood supply strong for the neighbor who’ll need it tomorrow.

The American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter is honored to work alongside the City of Simi Valley, the Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and the many volunteers who make this event possible. And to the many of you who stopped by our table and asked, “How can I help?” — we heard you. The Red Cross runs on people with exactly that kind of compassion, and there’s a place for you, whether it’s teaching preparedness, coordinating events, or responding when disaster strikes. We’ll be in touch — get ready to put that compassion to work.

Community strength isn’t built once a year — it’s built one donation, one skill, one volunteer at a time.

Schedule your blood donation today at RedCrossBlood.org, and if you’re ready to give your time, watch for our call — Ventura County needs you.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.