SANTA MARIA, Calif.- Guns are being drawn, shots are being fired and people are being killed. It's becoming a major problem right here on the Central Coast.
"I don't think anybody wishes violence in our community," says Scott Thaning, a parent.
Certainly it isn't something anybody wishes, but its happening. Just this year on the Central Coast there has been seven officer-involved shootings, six deadly. In each incident law enforcement says the suspect had some type of weapon.
"Every one of these incidents where there has been an officer-involved shooting whether it's Highway Patrol, Santa Maria Police Department, these officers were victims themselves, these were suspects of crimes," says Erik Raney, Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department.
Now some parents aren't taking any chances when its comes to raising their children, making sure their child is safe.
"It's a tough that police are in dealing with the societal problems...parents have to be involved, you have to be active with your kids, lead by example put them in a scenario that's healthy and posItive environment," says Thaney.
Some parents Central Coast news spoke with says when they hear about violence in their neighborhood, they say its important to keep their kids active and involved with youth programs.
"I take them to the park, the library, swimming. I know we are busy in life, working and we have a lot of stuff going on, but you need to focus on your kids too," says Hang Cordova, a parent.
