Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has nominated Maria “Lou” Calanche to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, adding an East L.A. community activist, public policy expert and vital voice for justice to the city’s leadership in policing. Calanche would succeed Sandra Figueroa-Villa, who is leaving the board.

“Lou has dedicated her life and career to empowering, strengthening and lifting up L.A.’s youth, and that makes her the ideal leader to help us reimagine public safety in Los Angeles,” Garcetti said. “Lou’s presence and perspective will bring fresh thinking and innovative ideas to our police commission, help us deepen relationships between the LAPD and the communities it serves and keep us on course to a safer, more just and more equitable city.”

Calanche is a professor of political science at East Los Angeles Community College and the founder and executive director of Legacy LA, a youth development organization helping at-risk youth in Ramona Gardens reach their full potential and lead change in their neighborhoods.  She has also been involved in the Invest in Youth campaign, where she has helped lead a citywide effort to expand funding for youth development and improve ties between the city’s young people and law enforcement.

“Every day, I work to serve this city’s future by empowering our youth, and sitting on the police commission is yet another way to give back to our communities and find creative ways to invest in our diverse neighborhoods,” Calanche said.

Calanche’s nomination is subject to review by the City Council. If confirmed, she would replace Figueroa-Villa, who has served since 2013.