By Sungyeon Park
Downtown Stockton is a vibrant hub filled with businesses, visitors, and residents. Ensuring the area remains safe and welcoming is the mission of the Community Ambassador Program of the Downtown Stockton Alliance, which is a team working to support businesses, property owners, and the local community, 24/7!
At the head of this effort is Chevell Simms, who is the program supervisor and has been with the program for four years. His role involves keeping eyes and ears on the downtown area but also training new ambassadors and equipping them with the tools to succeed in the field.
The primary goal of the Community Ambassador Program is to create a positive environment in Downtown Stockton. The team, consisting of about ten ambassadors, conducts a regular route to check in on Downtown’s businesses; assists visitors; and helps connect unhoused individuals with resources like shelters and medical facilities. A typical day for an ambassador includes responding to calls for service, keeping the area clear of trespassers and panhandlers, and even providing small but valuable services like jump-starting vehicles or escorting visitors to their cars.
This job comes with its challenges. Community Ambassadors often have to handle difficult situations, such as addressing loitering and panhandling, or reporting criminal activity. Despite these challenges, Chevell takes pride in his work, especially when he sees new ambassadors grow into their roles. “It’s been very rewarding when new ambassadors receive information and apply it to daily activities, finding new ways to help the community,” he shared.
Looking ahead, with a committed team and a strong vision, the Community Ambassador Program will continue to enhance the safety and atmosphere of Downtown Stockton—one day at a time.
If you would like an escort to your car; need to jumpstart your car; or want to deter trespassers or loiterers from your business, call 209.451.7775!
Information
- Who: Downtown Stockton Alliance Community Ambassador Team
- Where: Downtown Stockton PBID
- Hours: 24/7; accepting calls 24/7
- Services: escorts to your vehicle, wayfinding, car jumpstarting, trespass deterring, visitor assistance
- For Service Calls: 209.451.7775