RIPON – “National Night Out” is Aug. 2.

It’s also the next meeting date of the Ripon City Council. Elected leaders recently agreed to move up their meeting time to 5 p.m. rather than 7 o’clock.

Council members are hoping to be done in time to attend the “National Night Out” gathering at Ripon’s Community Center scheduled from 6 to 8 o’clock.

The Ripon Police Department is expected to do its part by working with local organizations in helping put together a successful event.

Also included are involved citizens, civic groups, businesses, and various organizations and agencies.

“National Night Out” is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

Police, in addition, hope to generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs while strengthening neighborhood spirit by developing a partnership with those communities.

“National Night Out” is intended to send a message to criminals by letting them know that neighborhoods are not only organized but folks there are fighting back.

For more information, log on to www.cityofripon.org.