Local attorney Juan Lopez J.D. ’94 was named as one of nine recipients of the 2016 California Peace Award for the 30th Assembly District. 

Lopez, a Morgan Hill resident who was born in Arizona and raised in Los Angeles, founded We the People in 2014, an organization that defends the civil rights of Morgan Hill residents and promotes multicultural events in the community.

“It is my honor to recognize these truly remarkable individuals and organizations who have made it their mission to promote peace throughout all of our communities,” Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) said. “The commitment and dedication they have demonstrated for their communities exemplify what this award is all about. It’s everyday heroes like these who help keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Lopez, who owns a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies from U.C. Berkeley and a law degree from Santa Clara University, served as director of the Latino Student Rights Project from 1994-95 and also worked at the Family Violence Law Center, the first male attorney hired there. He has worked in the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office since 1996, defending indigent clients. Lopez has been a board member of the Community Agency for Resources and Services since 2015.

He is joined as one of two Santa Clara County honorees by Gilroy native Sally Duran Armendariz, a statewide president of the Young Christian Workers and founding board member of the La Isla Pacifica Shelter for women and children.