Lompoc pastor nominated for Valley of Flowers Peace Prize

LOMPOC, Calif. - Lompoc Rev. Eric De La Cruz  is being recognized for the work he is doing in the community.

The pastor has been nominated for the Valley of Flowers Peace Prize. 

“I'm really honored, because this is their ten year anniversary and the very first recipient was someone I really looked up to Conrad Gonzales,” said De La Cruz.

Cruz has a youth organization through his ministry In His Hands.

“We create a space for teenagers to feel loved and accepted for who they are. Now they have a place they know they can talk to someone about those type of things and be heard,” said De La Cruz.  

The Peace Committee nominate 10 individuals who they feel are making an impact in the community.

“The purpose of it is to try to spread peace and understanding among the people of the community,” said the Peace Prize Committee Chairwoman Allie Spaulding.

De La Cruz mentors kids hands on.
Whether making sure they get internships to gain life skills or he organizing peace rallies to give kids something positive to do on the weekends. 

“He does a remarkable job with these kids so that is why we nominated him,” said the Peace Prize Committee Chairwoman Allie Spaulding.

The committee started honoring community activists in 2010. 
They say it's a way for the hidden heroes of Lompoc to be noticed. 

“Sometimes these people are not recognized very much at all and because of being nominated for the Peace Prize they get some recognition and that's good,” said the Peace Prize Committee Chairwoman Allie Spaulding.

On January 26th the Peace Prize committee with pick the winning recipient of the award.

“It's an honor. We are not doing it for recognition, we are doing it for love,” said De La Cruz.