Poet, Peace Activist hopes to curb youth violence in Salinas

An urban peace activist is spending the week in Salinas to give insight into youth violence prevention.

Luis Rodriguez is the creator of a community-based youth intervention program and the award-winning author of “Always Running.” He says he has spent 40 years working with troubled youth in Los Angeles, Chicago, even El Salvador. He is now turning his attention to Salinas.

Rodriguez’s proposal involves offering people mental health and education services, even job training and tattoo removal.

“What we try to do is give young people the opportunities, the tools and the resources so they can move their lives forward,” Rodriguez said. “Move their lives away from crime, from drugs, from these things they almost have to do because the economy is bad, the poverty is bad but given the idea that they can imagine their lives differently, more healthy and that they can participate in the community stronger.

He wants our local effort to include businesses, schools, churches and police.

Mayor Joe Gunter says he has heard of Rodriguez and while he hasn’t worked with him, says he is interested to see what he can bring to the table.