Inglewood City Council held a meeting this week to recognize the dedicated volunteers of the Inglewood Municipal Court Restorative Justice Program, which has been operational since 2020. The program focuses on community-based responses to crime, facilitating conversations between victims, offenders, and community members to foster accountability and repair relationships.

Currently, the program boasts 60 active volunteers, with nearly half being residents of Inglewood. These volunteers have collectively contributed over 1,600 hours of service, participating in more than 100 restorative justice conferences. The estimated value of their volunteer work exceeds $53,000, highlighting the significant impact of their contributions to the community.

Aime Stimson, the program manager, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the transformative experiences shared by volunteers. Participants range in age from 15 to their seventies, showcasing a diverse commitment to community healing and support. Volunteers are involved in various roles, including facilitators and advisory team members, and undergo ongoing training to enhance their skills.

The meeting also included public comments, with residents addressing concerns about a nuisance property in the area. One resident detailed ongoing issues at a specific address, citing criminal activity, safety concerns, and the negative impact on the neighborhood. The resident urged the council to take action against the property, which has been a source of distress for the community.

The council acknowledged the importance of both the restorative justice program and the residents' concerns, reinforcing their commitment to community safety and engagement.