Summer Night Lights is Part of Mayor Bass’ Comprehensive Approach to Public Safety that is Delivering Results
LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass today celebrated the end of Summer Night Lights (SNL), a program that provides safe and community-centered programming as a means to prevent violence in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles. SNL is part of Mayor Bass’ comprehensive approach to public safety that has delivered results for Los Angeles. Photos and b-roll available here.
“Crime continues to drop in Los Angeles, with the City on pace to reach a 60 year low in homicides. We are seeing these results because of programs like Summer Night Lights that contribute to our comprehensive approach to public safety,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Since 2008, SNL has continued to provide safe spaces for neighbors to come together, access important resources and engage our neighborhoods in positive and meaningful ways.”
“Summer Night Lights has shown us that when the community fills our parks, connections and safety follow,” said Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “Thanks to the work of Community Intervention Workers, who bridge divides, prevent violence, and offer a hand wherever it’s needed. Many departments come together to make this program work and engage the community.”
“Programs like Summer Night Lights are a critical part of keeping our neighborhoods safe,” said Councilmember John Lee, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “By giving our youth and families safe places to gather, positive activities to take part in, and access to life-changing resources, we reduce the risk of crime and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. These are the types of efforts that push the needle toward a better, safer Los Angeles.”
“Summer Night Lights shows what’s possible when we create safe, vibrant spaces that bring neighbors of all ages together. I’m so glad that this summer, Council District 6 was fortunate enough to host Summer Night Lights at three different recreation centers across our community,” said Councilmember Imelda Padilla. “This program is especially meaningful given our district’s history with intergenerational conflicts tied to gang violence. Our community was able to come together to share a meal, enjoy activities, and reconnect with their local parks.”
“We create real public safety when we invest in our youth, families, and the places they call home,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. “Summer Night Lights shows what’s possible when city departments, community partners, and local businesses come together to activate safe spaces, deepen community roots, and build stronger, more connected neighborhoods.”
SNL programming includes free meals, sports and fitness, family-friendly activities and connections to community resources, such as financial literacy workshops and mental health services. The program is inspired by the Summer of Success program in South Los Angeles, which Mayor Bass helped create as a community organizer at Community Coalition. Last summer, SNL had more than 80,000 participants. This year, SNL had more than 110,000 participants come together at 42 local parks and recreation centers across Los Angeles.
Recent data from the Los Angeles Police Department shows the tangible impact of these efforts:
A 45% decrease in gang-related homicides in GRYD zones compared to 2023.
GRYD zones have seen a 56% decrease in gang-related homicides compared to 2022.
A 48% drop in the number of victims shot in gang-related conflicts.
GRYD’s programming, including SNL, contributed to a 26% reduction in gang-related homicides in the City of Los Angeles in 2023 according to LAPD’s 2023 Homicide Report.
Summer Night Lights seeks to:
Increase access to prosocial activities and awareness of community resources.
Facilitate relationship-building between the community and Los Angeles Police Department.
Provide access to safe community spaces.
Mayor Bass established the Office of Community Safety to prevent crime through community-led approaches to increase safety and wellbeing. Summer Night Lights ran July 31st through August 8th from 6PM-10PM, at parks across Los Angeles.