Police and Government Unite Against Gang Murders

Already this year there have been three murders in Watsonville — at least two of which have been confirmed to be gang-related. 

Just last week, . Two men have been arrested for the homicide while one is still on the run and is considered armed and dangerous. 

In 2008 and 2009, there were 55 homicides in Salinas, more than three times the national average. 

“Prevention and Intervention services are needed for those who truly want to turn their lives around yet we should also work toward funding for supervision and apprehension of those who fail and continue to victimize,” said Watsonville Chief of Police Manny Solano.

Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Executive Director Daniel Alejandrez also spoke out on the issue.

“Barrios Unidos believes resources should be invested in proven and successful violence prevention and intervention programs in order to give our communities tools to work on preventing crime,” he said. 

Assemblymember Luis Alejo, whose district includes Gilroy and Watsonville, presented Assembly Bill 310 on Tuesday, which would appropriate $3 million dollars through the State Department of Justice to fight gang violence specifically in South Monterey County, Santa Cruz County and San Benito County. 

The bill passed the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee with unanimous support. It will now go to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration.