Central Coast residents meet for positive change through Juntos Podemos
Communities on the Central Coast are doing what they can to prevent crimes in their neighborhood by reaching out to families. “Together we can,” that’s the meaning behind the 5 th annual Juntos Podemos community dialogue.
“We needed a better understanding between the police department, the authorities and the community, and that was the primary purpose of the organization,” said Juntos Podemos member, Miguel Cabrera.
Kids, parents, law enforcement and local organizations came together at Greenfield High to discuss how to turn their communities around.
“I’ve seen violence here, like very recently the past month there was a shooting here, by my house. So it happens a lot and it’s been happening in Salinas and it’s a real thing that people go through,” said Greenfield resident, Mayra Gomez.
Through panel discussion, local programs, and informational booths, event attendees explored how to lower crime.
“We can’t turn a blind eye, we can’t close our blinds when something goes out on the street. We need to hear from them. We need to hear them talk we need them to show that they care as well,” said Greenfield Police Chief, Adele Frese.
On a positive note, the Chief said violence is down in Greenfield.
“We were at an incredibly low number of patrol officers in the past and we’re bolstering that we continue adding to our rank,” said Frese.
One way to keep the crime rate down is to keep kids out of trouble as they get older by choosing positive activities. Many of which were choices on display at Sunday’s event.
