Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the importance of giving youth a place to go where they stay active in positive programs during summer. (photo courtesy of Mayor Karen Bass’ office)
Karen Bass celebrated the end of the 2025 Summer Night Lights, a program that provides safe and community-centered programming to prevent violence in neighborhoods throughout the city.
“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,” Bass said. “Since 2008, Summer Night Lights 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,” L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, 8th District, said. “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.”
The program includes free meals, sports and fitness, family-friendly activities and connections to community resources such as financial literacy workshops and mental health services. Last summer, SNL had more than 80,000 participants. This year, SNL welcomed more than 110,000 participants at 42 local parks and recreation centers across Los Angeles.
Recent Los Angeles Police Department data show the tangible impact of the program. The Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development’s programming, including Summer Night Lights, contributed to a 26% reduction in gang-related homicides in the city of Los Angeles in 2023 according to LAPD’s 2023 Homicide Report.
For information, visit lagryd.org/summer-night-lights.html.
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