Fighting crime in Salinas, neighborhood group holds community meeting

Salinas has seen more homicides this year than any other year in its’ history. The city currently stands at 34 homicides, beating a record set in 2009.

One neighborhood group not happy with the spike in crime met Tuesday at the John Steinbeck Library to talk about unconventional ways to reduce crime –specifically, through environmental design and city planning.

“I’ve lived here10 years. I’m one of those people that walks my dog when I get home at night and never, ever, feared walking in this neighborhood,” said Mike Jones, president of Salinas Neighbors United.

But in some areas like east Salinas, Jones said he may not feel so comfortable walking around.

“There aresome things that people can do as individuals, as homeowners, living in apartments and also being a part of a neighborhood to make those spaces safer. There arethings like trimming your bushes so that there is better visibility and no places for people to hide. Lighting is a good way to prevent crime,” said Linda McGlone with the Monterey County Health Department.

McGlone runs the county youth violence prevention program. She said Closter Park in Salinas is a good example of ways to use city planning to prevent crime. Recently, the area went through a makeover complete with new basketball courts and playground.

“Closter Park has made a tremendous turnaround from the days when it was a very high-crime area,” said McGlone.

And that’s exactly what residents said they want, a positive turnaround but for the entire city.

“That’s what this group is about, making Salinas better,” said Jones.