Concerns about crime raised to council

A resident voiced her concerns about crime at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, after an officer-involved shooting last week.

Ruby Medina asked whether the city could get more police presence in the area on from 8th to 16th Streets after Thursday’s incident on 8th Street. Martinez also mentioned that another incident occurred on Sunday, May 17, when shots were fired on 8th Street.

She stated that this has become a high crime area within the city.

Sergeant Peter Martinez later described the May 15 incident as a domestic violence situation where he said 21-year-old Daniel Gomez had repeatedly stabbed two unnamed women. “Both women have recovered and are currently at home,” Martinez said.

Medina requested the city come up with an innovative solution to reach as many people as possible by posting information on the city’s website to aid the community on where to get help.

In other business, the council reviewed an updated lease agreement with the Recreation and Parks District. This item was tabled until after the new Recreation and Parks District board can review it.

At a joint council and district meeting in 2019, the district asked the city to use Measure X funds to help pay for lighting in the city-owned parks.

City Manager Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez told the council members that the city is still investigating ways to bring the city current with COVID-19 precautions, such as glass partitions for offices where the public comes into contact with city employees.

The city recognized the Public Works Department during Public Works Week and presented a proclamation to staff members in the department.