California is truly becoming a scary place. Our region is
certainly reflective of that thought as we are seeing a tremendous spike in
violent crime from Santa Cruz to Seaside and especially in Salinas. Unfortunately,
we have seen this before and it’s not pretty. Many innocent people get caught
up as peripheral damage to gang wars and needless assaults and violence.
Just in the last week we have seen a running gun battle
through the streets of Santa Cruz as two cars shot at each other resulting in
at least one death. We saw a security guard at a 99 cent store stabbed to death
when he did not have a key to a safe in Salinas. We had a drive-by shooting in
Seaside that resulted in another death. We have seen multiple attacks, shootings
and even some that seem to target our police that have resulted in multiple
deaths. That’s all this past week.
Yes, violence seems to step up over the summer as if that is
an excuse. People, wake up! We have a serious problem here and it needs to be
addressed in each of our communities now!
We have a State and Federal economy that has produced fewer
and fewer jobs, especially for our youth. We have a Governor that is releasing career
criminals back into our communities to address overcrowded prisons. We have a
State legislature that has refused to address this issue for at least a
generation. We have an education system that has failed our students no matter
how much money we seem to throw at it. As a result many of the people and
companies that can hire and help with the situation are simply leaving the State
due to taxes and regulations, and yes, crime.
In Marina, we have held our own against this tidal wave of
violence that is surrounding us by trying to maintain a strong Recreational
program despite a City budget that’s working against it. We have a great police
force that is working harder and harder to protect our community with great
success but with dwindling resources. This combination has worked well to date
but we cannot assume anything in the future.
We are in a battle for the minds of our youth and we all
need to do what we can to work with them, to help provide safe places to grow
up, to educate them and help provide jobs where possible. We need mentors to
stand up and show them that there is another way, that with desire and education
they can still succeed in their world despite the pressure and temptations.
Here is a plea to all that care about the future of our
community. Do what you can; no matter how small a role you can play. Donate
money to a cause that supports education and/or recreational activities.
Volunteer your time to help an organization that works with our local students,
no matter the age group. Truly listen to what our politicians and activist are
saying. Tell them to stop with the excuses and do what is right not for our
society, not their next election.
Things will not change overnight. We know that, but they won’t
change at all without your help!
More later
