Safety is a key to a thriving downtown. Helping to make people feel safer in the neighborhood encourages living, working and visiting the community. That remains part of DLBA’s mission to cultivate, preserve, and promote a healthy, safe and prosperous Downtown.
That drives the DLBA’s highly trained Safety Ambassadors who patrol throughout Downtown about 12-18 hours per day. They are goodwill ambassadors that lend a helping hand to those in need and address safety issues before they escalate. The “redshirts,” as the locals call them, travel the Downtown Property Business Improvement District (PBID) by foot, bike, and Segway offering directions, providing safety escorts, and even jump-starting vehicles. Between October 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021, Ambassadors made 2,020 business contacts, provided 100 safety escorts, and gave directions to about 1800 visitors and residents.
Safety Ambassadors are available Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 A.M. to 9:45 P.M., and Friday and Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 11:45 P.M. Anyone can call (562) 244-1365) and an Ambassador typically will respond within 5 minutes. Make sure to stop and say “hello” the next time you see one of DLBA’s amazing Safety Ambassadors taking care of our Downtown community!
Name: Cristian Joaquin
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? 1 year, 10 months.
What do you like to do outside of work? I exercise and watch TV shows and cinema.
What do you like most about this job? The services we provide to the Downtown area, networking, and working alongside the businesses.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? They appreciate our work and devotion to Downtown.
What’s special about the Downtown community? The people. Most are friendly and courteous.
Name: Javier Luteman
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? Close to 2 years.
What do you like to do outside of work? I love to go hiking and exercise.
What do you like most about this job? The fact that the job allows you to interact with people.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? A resident said, “Thank you for your service, sir!”
What’s special about the Downtown community? Downtown Long Beach is very diverse.
Name: Melvin Mena
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? 6 years.
What do you like to do outside of work? I like to exercise.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? While patrolling, I was thanked and appreciated for giving a safety escort after being harassed.
What’s special about the Downtown community? The variety of cultures.
Name: Tres Palmer
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? 3 years.
What do you like to do outside of work? Go on the internet.
What do you like most about this job? Getting exercise.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? “You’ve lost weight!”
What’s special about the Downtown community? The diversity.
Name: Desiree Johnson
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? 2 years.
What do you like to do outside of work? I like to go on jogs, play my PS4, and I’m an artist. You can see my creativity on Instagram.
What do you like most about this job? Being able to be a helping hand to others.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? I’m doing a good job and thank you for my service.
What’s special about the Downtown community? Seeing people have a good time.
Name: Jessica Davila
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? Almost 2 years.
What do you like to do outside of work? Online shopping, working out, and pampering myself.
What do you like most about this job? The services we provide and being available to help others.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? They appreciate our work in Downtown.
What’s special about the Downtown community? Most are friendly and it’s a diverse community.
Name: Jenifer Enriquez Sison
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? 2 ½ years.
What do you like to do outside of work? Work and more work! I have multiple jobs.
What do you like most about this job? The services we provide and working alongside the businesses.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? They appreciate our work in Downtown.
What’s special about the Downtown community? Downtown is a diverse community, in which most are friendly.
Name: Anisel Sanchez
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? 6 ½ years.
What do you like to do outside of work? Go to LBCC to study Criminal Justice, work out at 24 Hour Fitness, and I have a second job.
What do you like most about this job? Working outside, riding the Segway or bike, and helping street residents.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? “Thank you for helping the homeless.”
What’s special about the Downtown community? We are a diverse community.
Name: Mar Jackson
How long have you been a Safety Ambassador at DLBA? 3 years.
What do you like to do outside of work? Surround myself with family and friends.
What do you like most about this job? Interacting with business owners, locals, out-of- towners and street residents.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received from a business owner or resident while on patrol? “Thanks for all you do for our Downtown!”
What’s special about the Downtown community? Everything’s here! You can dine, go on a boat ride, catch a movie, watch a game, or just go on a nice bike ride through the area.