Sheriff and Salinas Peace Officer Association Speak Out Against - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SALINAS, Calif. -- The Monterey County Deputy Sheriff Association and Salinas Police Peace Officer Association are also speaking out about the name chosen for the new school. They said in a statement that they are disappointed in the Alisal Union School District for selecting Tiburcio Vasquez as the name for the new elementary school.

Here is the statement they released about the name selection:

"The Monterey County Deputy Sheriff Association and Salinas Police Department Police Officer Association would like to express extreme disappointment in the Alisal Union School District Board of Trustees decision to approve the name "Tiburcio Vasquez" for the new elementary school at 1300 Tuscany Blvd, Salinas.

Gang violence is not isolated to the City of Salinas but rather it's a Monterey County problem that effects everyone in one way or another.  The City of Salinas sees more than its fair share of gang violence and it's a shame that the Alisal Union School District Board of Trustees would even consider honoring a man whose name is surrounded in controversy that revolves around murder and gangs.

We should not reward behavior like Vasquez' with such honors. Is there no other person closely tied to the local Latino community who would be more deserving of such an honor to have a school named after them?"