From KSBW-TV, June 3, 2008: Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue announced Tuesday plans to unveil a major initiative aimed at combating gang violence with the help of local businesses.

Speaking at City Hall, Donohue said businesses know gang violence is bad for business, bad for their workforce and bad for the community.

So they're stepping forward by working with the Chamber of Commerce to come up with a plan to help fight the violence.

Donohue said the new program could involve more resources and businesses setting aside jobs for at-risk youth.

"To go find an organization that's working on after-school activities and say, 'Hey, do you need a few bucks or do you need some supervision,' " Donohue said. "The issue of job creation is something only the business community can do.

Businesses big and small are big are being asked to get involved. From downtown to eastside, the mayor said businesses need to open their doors for education programs that teach employees how to keep their children out of gangs.

Donohue also said he plans to fast-track a new police substation being planned for an east Salinas shopping center.

"We are putting more resources out there," said Salinas Police Chief Dan Ortega. "We're expending lots of overtime. Officers are being called in and we have plans in the near future to put out more resources."

Chamber of Commerce officials had no comment on the upcoming announcement.

Donohue's announcement comes just three days after a woman was shot and killed in a gang-related shooting.

There have been 14 homicides in Salinas this year.

Action News 8 - NBC - June 3, 2008

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