Families hold anti-violence rally in Salinas

Families who lost their loved ones to violence took time to remember them at an anti-violence rally held at Sherwood Park in Salinas on Saturday.

The first annual Stop the Violence event focuses on the issue of violence and youth, especially when it comes to gangs.

Organizers held signs and pictures of their lost loved ones. Many wore orange, which they say represents the preciousness of life.

More than 30 people participated in the event, including law enforcement from the Salinas Police Department and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

“If we don’t alter our way of thinking, (in terms of) loving our neighbors and our community, we’re never going to make an impact,” said Misty Arias, who lost her son to violence in 2016. “What message are we telling the youths that their lives are not important, didn’t matter. And this is here to honor these victims that their lives are important.”

At the end of the rally, the group released balloons into the air, in honor of the victims.