Salinas Asian Festival sets out to change Chinatown’s image

The streets of Salinas’ Chinatown came to life, Saturday, for the 11th Annual Asian Festival. “We always try to make it to the festival. They have great food and great displays,” said attendee, Philip Rodriguez.

This isn’t always the way people see it. The area, known for its crime and large homeless population, often keeps people away. “To be honest with you, when I came down the street there was no parking and I had to drive down an area that I would have been worried about parking in and walking by myself,” said attendee, Jerry-Lo Sabado.

The City of Salinas came to sweep the streets, Thursday morning. Dumpsters full of tents, mattresses, and other things were hauled out. Salinas Mayor, Joe Gunter, said they did it for more than just the festival. “It prevents disease. It prevents all kinds of issues by us cleaning up. It’ll help the quality of life for the people that come down here and the people that are living on the street,” said Gunter.

Festival organizers said the cleanup isn’t the only revitalization effort happening in Chinatown, this week. The event hopes to teach people about different cultures and change the way people view the area. “Some people actually just avoid Chinatown because they think it is dangerous. It has its problems, but it’s not dangerous. That’s why were working to get that image rectified,” said Salinas Asian Festival Co-Chair, Larry Hirahara.

People who came to the event said the festival is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. “The community has to work together and decide what environment they want to have here, and how they can help everybody,” said Lo-Sabado.