In Council District 1, we believe that community safety starts with care, connection, and trust. That’s why Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez launched the Peace Ambassadors, a new initiative to prevent violence before it starts and to support Angelenos in moments of crisis.
CARE-BASED PREVENTION
Since January 2025, two full-time Peace Ambassador teams have been deployed to high-need areas in Pico Union and Westlake, including MacArthur Park. Each team consists of two unarmed workers who have lived experience in the justice or gang systems and are trained in violence prevention and trauma-informed care.
These teams work five to six days a week, during peak hours identified through LAPD data and community input.
- Prevent and De-escalate Violence
Peace Ambassadors’ work is primarily street-level outreach. Their tasks involve mediating disputes, addressing rumors, and aiding neighborhoods after trauma. Importantly, they do not substitute for 9-1-1 nor respond to private emergencies at residences.
- Ensure Safe Passage
Peace Ambassadors actively work with local schools like MacArthur Park Elementary and Charles White Elementary to support students and families during after-school hours. Their presence helps ensure safe passage as young people walk home through high-traffic areas.
- Serve As Liaisons
Peace Ambassadors will be crucial in organizing community events and participating in transformative training sessions. They will serve as connectors, bridging the divide between the community and government, attending meetings, and diligently following up with partners to build lasting partnerships
A NETWORK OF PARTNERSHIPS
Peace Ambassadors are embedded in the communities they serve. Their presence strengthens safety networks and ensures families have someone to turn to outside of law enforcement when facing non-emergency conflict or community stress.
They collaborate daily with:
- Local schools and park staff
- Clergy and crisis intervention teams
- Street vendors and small businesses
- Homeless outreach providers
- First responders and city departments
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MORE ABOUT PEACE AMBASSADORS
We contracted two experienced organizations: Homies Unidos, led by Executive Director Alex Sanchez, and Healing Urban Barrios, led by Executive Director Christina Navarro.
STAY CONNECTED
We are expanding Peace Ambassadors into the Northeast of Council District 1! Our new partners, Community Warriors 4 Peace and Soledad Enrichment Action, Inc., will play a vital role in this initiative.
For more on Peace Ambassadors, email us at councilmember.hernandez@lacity.org and subscribe to our newsletter.
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