One year after George Floyd’s death: Local organizations gather at Salinas City Hall to remember George Floyd

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Local organizations gathered at Salinas city hall to remember the anniversary of George Floyd's death and make their voices heard about defunding the Salinas police.

On the anniversary of George Floyd's death, two groups were present at city hall, one in support of George Floyd and the other in support of George Floyd and defunding the police while the other side was in support of the police, worried that defunding could lead to more crime in Salinas. Cesar Lara, the Policy and Programs director of MILPA says today is historical.

"Today is a significant day in US history, a year ago today George Floyd was killed today by killed today by police in Minneapolis and it really sparked a movement across the county and it's a spark that's been her on the central coast here in Salinas," said Lara.

That spark has lead to discussions about the way that the city of Salinas budgets its money towards the police department and the community. Organizers like Cesar Lara say they want to take a portion of that money and invest it towards the community.

"What we're asking for is that some of the money get prioritized for other forms of public safety like our parks, like our libraries, like our street clean up and so that's what we're asking for to prioritize some of those and you have to take it out the biggest slice of the budget, the police," said Lara.

Others like Angie Vargas who son was murdered in December 29th, 1990 in Salinas believes the police department needs every penny they can get.

"I know that law enforcement, without them, I would have never gotten justice for my son's death. They worked hard to solve his case," said Vargas.

Angie Ortega's daughter was also killed as a result of domestic violence abuse and fears what defunding the police could do to the city.

"My main concern is if you defund the police department and they have less resources. less officers, who are the remaining officers going to be, what's the toll on them, they could have burnout, are we going to have sufficient coverage in the city," said Ortega.

Others like members of Baktun 12, a local theater company from east Salinas says others like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor have family members they'll never get to see.

"There's an empty chair at home, someone's still mourning, it could be a year that's passed by not only for George Floyd but all those other names you see on the coffins," said Cristal Avila.

Other groups like MC Blue and Victims of Crime Survivors were at city hall in support of police and their current funding.

Tonight a hearing was held but no action was taken.