Santa Maria Residents March in Unity Against Violence

Dozens of Santa Maria residents came together in solidarity on Saturday to march against all of the continued violence in the city.

Organizers from Victory Outreach put together the march in hopes of raising awareness that there are other alternatives to violence.

“This is a wake up call and we are taking it personal and so felt like we have to do something we have to step out and let the community know we still reach those kids,” said organizer Lisa Hernandez.

The church works closely with the community and reaches out to at risk youth. They say their prayers and hopes are that they no longer need to be fearful of going outside. “Make it a better community instead of having to keep our brothers and sisters in the house all day like just getting to walk don the street without being afraid that something is going to happen to them,” said 14-year-old participant Joe Ward.