Villaraigosa expands Summer Night Lights recreation program

Villaraigosa announced the expansion of the program from 24 locations last summer to 32 this year. The initiative launched in 2008 keeps parks open after dark and provides structured athletic and art activities and meals for kids in high crime neighborhoods.

The announcement marks a rare expansion of a city program during a budget year that saw most city departments make due with less as the mayor and City Council worked to close a $336 million deficit.

The Summer Night Lights program has been credited with helping to reduce crime.