Summer Night Lights Logo, Program Unveiled
May 3, 2011
Tulare County’s youth will have safe alternatives this summer on Saturdays through the Summer Night Lights Program.
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, County staff unveiled the Summer Night Lights logo and program, which will provide positive programming and a safe environment for youth of all ages during the summer months in the cities of Farmersville, Porterville, and Visalia.
The program aims to curb violence and other negative activity by keeping selected parks and recreational facilities open 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. every Saturday night from June 11 through July 30. Each location will hold a resource fair and positive programming for youth and families that attend. The program is modeled after the Summer Night Lights Program created by the office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Participating in the program is the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, California Highway Patrol, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Tulare County Probation, City of Farmersville, City of Porterville, City of Visalia, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tulare County, Tulare County Workforce Investment Department, Pro-Youth/HEART, CSET, and the Tulare County Office of Education’s SEE Program.
“The Board of Supervisors is pleased to partner with all agencies to reduce crimes committed by and against youth during the summer months,” said Supervisor Phil Cox, who helped bring the Summer Night Lights program to fruition. “This program also improves the local economy through jobs and the training of our youth.”
Supervisor Cox said 18 youth will help market and staff Summer Night Lights locations through the summer, as well as work during the week at selected locations.
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Mike Ennis said the work experience for the youth will be invaluable.
“I’m proud of the fact that this program will employ youth,” Chairman Ennis said. “This is the type of work experience that our young people need to succeed later on in life.”
Logo Contest Winner
Tulare Union High School Senior Jessie Segura was recognized at Tuesday’s meeting for creating the winning logo for the 2011 Tulare County Summer Night Lights Program. More than 250 entries were submitted by students countywide. Segura was rewarded with $250.
A list of scheduled locations and entertainment options will be offered in late May.
For more information on the program please call Jeff Forbes at 559/636-5000.