PHOTOS: SUMMER NIGHT LIGHTS

Summer Night Lights is a violence reduction initiative of the Los Angeles Mayor's Office. During the summer months when crime typically escalates in the neighborhoods affected by gangs, the program takes over the parks, providing free food and activities for the community. By extending the hours and keeping at-risk youth occupied, the program successfully reduces gang violence in a proactive way. The following series is part of a continuing effort to document the program. Commissioned by the Gang Reduction and Youth Development Office of the Los Angeles Mayor's Office.