Watsonville’s new approach to deal with teen crime

Watsonville is taking an innovative approach to dealing with teen crime on the rise. Danny Contreras did 12 years in state prison and now he’s able to carry out what he envisioned behind bars. Contreras said he’s reaching out to teens through a group he started called “Peace Warriors.”

“I mean I go around if I see somebody even if I don’t know them I’ll go introduce myself to them if I know they have a good story and I see that they could help some kid out,” said Contreras.

Contreras found someone Xochitl Ybarra, went to the same school as the Watsonville High teens years ago.

“I was addicted to meth I got 5 felonies on my record but I started here it did not start down the line. The choices that they make here can really affect the rest of their life,” said Ybarra.

Years later Ybarra walks the same halls with pride knowing she’s helping the students. The Peace Warriors Conference couldn’t have come at a better time as the Watsonville Police Department said teen crime is on the rise.

“It is a growing problem we are getting gang members. I’ve contacted gang members as young as 12 and 13 years old now and it’s unfortunate like I said for them to be getting involved at that age,” said Sgt. Eric Montalbo of Watsonville Pd.

For youth crimes the department said 84 percent of the offenders are male, and 18 percent are considered violent crimes. Unfortunately the crime isn’t in one area. For many of the students, the triple homicide in Salinas was an eye opener.

“I’m trying to be someone in life. I want to be an actress,” said sophomore student Amerca Melchor.

The Peace Warriors motto is, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”

“They’re in control of their own destiny and make things in their lives,” said Contreras.