Spotlight Series: Nelson, Safety Ambassador

I'm the Safety Ambassador Team Lead for the LA Social District, where I focus primarily on public safety. My day-to-day often involves responding to safety calls and ensuring the community feels secure and supported. Our team is active seven days a week, from 6am to midnight, ready to assist with service requests, safety calls, or simply being a helpful presence in the district. From offering directions, diffusing a situation, or connecting someone with the right resources, we're here to help make the district a welcoming place for everyone.

Los Angeles has many diverse neighborhoods, and you've chosen to invest here. Why the Social District?

I chose the Social District because it was a convenient location for me, but I grew up watching this neighborhood evolve, and being part of that transformation has been impactful to me. There's a special energy here – a mix of history, culture, and constant movement that makes the work interesting. I wanted to contribute to the district’s growth and help create a space that feels safe and welcoming.

When you're not working, what do you love to do in the Social District?

I like to grab food at Pine and Crane and sit at the South Park Commons area where it's usually shady and quiet. I also love stopping by the Architects Corner shop on the corner of Pico Blvd and Flower St to look at all the art supplies they have. Anything that can help me get off my phone relaxes me!

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of The Social District in the next 5-10 years? What are your hopes and aspirations for the community?

Looking ahead, I hope to see the district grow into a place where everyone feels supported, safe, and connected. My vision for the district is to have more accessible resources — whether that’s mental health support, housing services, business opportunities, or community programs.

The Social District hosts a lot of events, from awards shows to sporting events to concerts. What’s an event you’d want tickets to attend and where in the district would you go before/after the big event?

I’d love to go to ComicConLA or AnimeExpo at the LA Convention Center. Both events bring in a lot of people to the district and it looks super fun.

What is your daily routine?

I start by clocking in and getting changed into our new uniforms. We stretch, get our equipment ready, and go over any events happening in the district that we should be aware of. Then I conduct business contacts while protrolling the district, and note if anything has been vandalized or if any trash has been left out on the sidewalks. When needed, I respond to any safety related calls and report back to our supervisor before I clock out. 

What is your favorite part about being an ambassador?

My favorite part of the job is knowing I made a difference in someone's day, and knowing that I was able to help them out, even if it's something small.