SALINAS, Calif. -- The fight intensifies against Salinas' newest elementary school on Tuscany Boulevard named after a convicted murderer, Tiburcio Vasquez.
The Alisal Union School District Board of Trustees isn't backing down, so now local law enforcement say they'll take it to the voters if they have to.
The Monterey County Deputy Sheriff Association and the Salinas Police Peace Officer Association say they want an ordinance put in place.
"Clearly, they've made up their mind and dug their heels in and they're not willing to listen to anybody's point of view," Dan Mitchell, president of the Monterey County Deputy Sheriff Association.
Mitchell said now it's time for Plan B.
At first he wanted to recall all of the members of the Board of Trustees after the school's name choice, a man some regard as a bandit, and others a Chicano hero.
"We're going to approach the City Council to see if they'd be willing to pass an ordinance that prohibits any building in the city to be named after anyone convicted of murder," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said if the city doesn't listen, the union, along with the Salinas Police Peace Officer Association, will take it up with the voters through a ballot measure.
"We're sending the wrong message to kids that we have shootings in schools, at least two homicides in Salinas already since 2013 started, and we're going to send the message that if you fashion yourself to be a Robinhood, then it's ok to shoot people, or hurt people," Mitchell said.
The district said Vasquez was misunderstood and fought for his and his people's rights.
Central Coast News reached out to city councilmembers to see what they think about an ordinance.
Jyl Lutes was the only one who commented, saying as an elementary school teacher she's disappointed about the name choice and welcomes discussion on a resolution.
The unions will be talking to the city council next week.
Central Coast News tried reaching out to the Board of Trustees and the superintendent, and haven't heard back as of Friday night.
