2019 Summer Night Lights has officially kicked off! Communities countywide are stepping up to bring the Summer Night Lights (SNL) program to youth and families throughout Tulare County, featuring summer fun activities from June through August.  

Based on the Summer Night Lights program launched in the city of Los Angeles, in 2011 Step Up tweaked the program to create a successful community-oriented hybrid. Since 2011, the Tulare County Summer Night Lights Program has been largely run by volunteers, with programming consisting of pool parties, dances, movies, sports nights, and more.  

SNL's main goal is to keep kids off the streets and engage them in positive activities. A unique feature of the program includes the hiring of two youth from each eligible community, who are then employed during the summer to assist in the planning and running of SNL activities. 

Seventeen (17) communities are participating this year and include Allensworth, Alpaugh, Cutler-Orosi, Dinuba, Ducor, Earlimart, Exeter, Ivanhoe, Lindsay, London, Pixley, Porterville, Richgrove, Strathmore, Tulare, Visalia, and Woodlake. Supporting SNL activities include community partners like the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, Boys and Girls Clubs, Proteus, Inc., Kiwanis Club of Porterville, and the Richgrove Collaborative. In addition, various cities, school districts, and local churches take part in organizing SNL events.

With the goal of reducing crime (by and against youth), providing recreation in a safe environment for youth of all ages, and improving the local economy, the vision of the SNL program includes: 

• Keeping a youth- and family-centered venue open at least one night in host communities.
• Providing full-time summer employment and specialized training for Tulare County youth.
• Providing positive programming for youth and families countywide.
• Facilitating positive interaction between youth and local law enforcement.
• Giving youth and families a fun and safe environment.
• Serving free food to all who attend.
• Providing community organizations, including churches, a forum for introducing their services to the community.

Click here for full listing of the 2019 Summer Night Lights event schedule.