Morgan Hill Sports Advocate Named California Peace Hero

Written by the Office of Luis Alejo:

Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo (whose district includes Gilroy) will recognize five California Peace Award recipients, including Claudia Rossi of Morgan Hill, as the 2013 California Peace Award winners of the 30th California State Assembly District. The recipients will be honored during National Night Out, the annual national crime prevention effort that brings together law enforcement and residents.

Rossi has worked tirelessly as a Trustee for the Morgan Hill Unified School District and as a community organizer advocating for at-risk youth and disabled students.  She provides quality leadership and guidance in her efforts to implement a sports mentoring program, in which high school students, police officers, and other adults mentor students through organized sports programs.

On Aug. 6, the National Association of Town Watch will join with law enforcement agencies, communities, and business organizations throughout the nation to sponsor the 30th Annual National Night Out.  This event highlights the vital importance that citizen involvement has in the fight for a safer state and nation.  Over 37 million people from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, United States territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide participated in National Night Out in 2012. 

Residents of the 30th Assembly District were asked to submit names of individuals throughout the area that have gone above and beyond to promote peace. Nominations for the California Peace Award were accepted throughout July for individuals with record of volunteerism and noteworthy accomplishments in their efforts to stop violence and create a safer community. Recipients must have had, over the past year, significantly contributed to the promotion of peace in the community.

"Each year when the nomination period opens for the California Peace Award, dozens of individuals and their hard work is brought to light,” said Alejo.  “It’s amazing to read about the dedication and commitment people have for their communities. I respect and value the work peace promoters invest to make our neighborhoods safer.”

After reviewing the nominations that were submitted, four candidates were selected for the California Peace Award because of their strong track record in promoting peace.  

"It brings me great happiness to be able to present these individuals with the California Peace Award, acknowledging their commitment toward safety and peace," Alejo said.

The California Peace Awards will be presented at three different locations on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 6, including one in Downtown Morgan Hill at the 3rd Street Promenade.