Former convict Kevin Grant as one of the 2012 California Peace Prize recipients. Grant, in and out of the jail system as a youth until 1989, now acts as a consultant for parole re-entry services. He also holds workshops for "law enforcement agencies, community service providers and school districts at local, state and federal levels."

Most importantly, as Inland Valley News points out, "Grant is the violence prevention network coordinator for Measure Y, which was passed in Oakland in 2004 to fund violence prevention and public safety. He leads skilled street outreach teams made up of members of the community, who intervene to prevent conflict and/or retaliation before they happen in Oakland’s most dangerous neighborhoods."

"I believe that a lot of the violence in our communities is preventable," Grant said. "Through building relationships, we can give the power back to the communities."

Another local honoree was Su Yon Park, a psychologist and clinical coordinator at Children's Hospital in Oakland. Park, who died of cancer earlier this year.

The prize comes with a $25,000 award.