Marching for peace in Salinas

Dozens of people come together in Salinas Saturday afternoon to rally to put an end to violence in the city.

“This is about taking our streets back,” said Jacqueline C. Simon from the group, Transitions for Recovery & Re-Entry. “This is about stopping the violence.”

The Community Peace March was about generating awareness to the violence on the streets of Salinas, organizers said.

“There are too many mothers losing their families, losing their loved ones and it is painful,” said one of the march organizers, Dorothy Leyba.

Leyba said she is one of those mothers. She said she lost a family member in Salinas, but instead reaching for hate or bitterness, she is asking peace and unity.

“We need to love one another here,” said Leyba. “Regardless of what race you are, you live in this city, we need each other, “added Leyba.

Leyba wasn’t the only one at the march who has lost someone to violence in Salinas.

“I am here because my brother was murdered in September of last year,” said Vanessa Rojas.

Rojas’ brother is Carlos Robles, who was a sophomore football player at North Salinas High School before he was shot and killed in 2015. Vanessa was wearing his football jersey at the march.

2015 was the most violent year on record in Salinas with 40 reported homicides.

“People are afraid to come out of their homes and that is awful,” said Simon.

Simon is hoping this year is not like the last.

“What we need to do is gather in strength, in numbers and continue these types of marches in all of the communities,” said Simon.

A feeling that is echoed by Leyba.

“Peace in the City of Salinas, California,” Leyba yelled. “We love Salinas and we love each other.”