Seaside Police Warn Of Gang Retaliation On Halloween - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SEASIDE, Calif.-  Seaside Police sent out a haunting warning on Tuesday night through the Monterey County 911 Alert System asking people to be on the look out for gang retaliation on Halloween night.  This stems from the recent spike in violence and shootings in Seaside. 

So we found out what the warning means to parents and their children's safety.

"They should be putting out a message every year," said dad Martin Morales.

That's how Morales feels about the spike in violence on Seaside streets.  Because of the spike, officers want parents to have a plan so their trick-or-treaters stay safe.

"We need to take our city streets back.  We want families to make an educated decision about their plans that night.  We certainly don't want to discourage families from having a good time," said Seaside Sergeant Jorge Enriquez.

A good time, but with caution.  Sergeant Enriquez said to set a curfew, make sure kids can be reached in an emergency and report anything suspicious.  Seaside officers said they've had trouble tracking gang activity in the past because people will wear a mask to hide from police.

Sergeant Enriquez said the department is investigating tips sent in from the public on a planned retaliation.  He said it could happen anywhere at any time.  That's why reverse 911 calls went out to everyone in Seaside warning of the danger.

"I always go with her and kind of stay close to where she goes," Morales said.

The message did make a mark on some parents as for Morales, he's planning to keep a close eye on his daughter.