Community calls for action to end violence in Salinas

This year has been a violent year in Salinas with 27 homicides so far. But it was a triple homicide on Monday that shocked the community.

Youth advocates like Brian Contreras, who runs the Second Chance program, said the solution to stop the violence starts at home.

“Families have to take care of their kids, know where they’re at, know what the warning signs are, and know what to look for,” said Contreras.

Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin said they also have a long term plan in place.

“We had a shooting review board this morning to go over recent shootings. We are targeting the people we believe are the most violent people in the community right now,” said McMillin.

McMillin said it starts with targeting the most vulnerable and the potential repeat offenders coming out of the prison system. But with youth violence on the rise, some city leaders say more safe activities are needed for teens.

“Literally, around this city there’s not much to do. Outside of the bowling alley and movie theater and the mall, what else can the student or the youth in this city do?” said Councilman Jose Castaneda.

Castaneda said most of the shootings this yearhave been in his district. He said the city needs to divert more money into parks and after-school programs.

“If we are going to make any type of difference, it’s time that the city pays full attention to the youth of this city,” said Castaneda.

That’s a focus people like Contreras have had for years.

“It’s got to take this whole community that’s got to step up to the plate and really reclaim the neighborhoods,” said Contreras.