Kids on the Central Coast take advantage of positive weekend activities

Some believe after the school bell rings on Friday afternoons, stumbling into trouble is easier for kids. There’s less supervision, and less to do. But several communities that deal with crime and gang violence are working to change that, by organizing more weekend activities. On Saturday, NewsChannel 5 visited three different events on the Central Coast that aim to steer kids in the right direction.

A little friendly competition to kick off the weekend, is doing a lot more than first meets the eye. The players on the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy in Watsonville are either on probation, were on probation, or are at-risk. Goalie Jose Gonzalez joined the team four years ago.

“I wasn’t doing that well in school, or misbehaving. So I came here and it helped me stay out of trouble,” Gonzalez said.

Saturday’s game was a big one. Every year, the Aztecas take on the Watsonville Police Department to build stronger relationships with law enforcement. But that also happens year-round. The Aztecas’ founder and head coach is also a Santa Cruz County deputy probation officer.

“It gets them to see people as people,” Gina Casteneda said.

Some of the players are even rival gang members, bringing them together on the field, so they don’t hurt each other off it. Gonzalez said playing goalie has shaped him into a leader.

“You see everything, so you kind of tell your teammates what to do,” Gonzalez said.

In East Salinas, high school students took the lead in a rally for more public safety. Organizers lit up the grill for a community barbecue, a safe place for these kids to stay busy and make their voices heard.

“If we can engage them in positive activities, then we have a chance of prevention of crimes in the future,” Alisal High School teacher Neil Patel said.

The rally called on city leaders to keep their promise that Measure G tax revenue will go toward public safety. Students also said they want more after-school activities and safe places to spend time.

“Parks and like structures, recreation centers for little kids to just be themselves, be kids,” Jennifer Cendajas said.

Saturday wrapped up with a chance for kids to just be kids and for the community to connect over something everyone has in common. The first-ever food truck block party, hosted by United Presbyterian Church, drew a big crowd, from kids to first responders.

“We love this community, and want to find as many ways as possible connect and provide good opportunities for the youth and for all ages,” Pastor Robby Olson said.

From saving a goal, to speaking out, and having fun with neighbors, kids are eager to spend their time with people who care. The food truck block party was also hosted by Watsonville Forward, an organization that aims to make the city stronger. That organization and the church want to make the block party an annual event.