Since last week Bakersfield has seen just as many shootings, as we have days.
“Within almost one week I've done two vigils, there's been seven shootings, there have been five people to die. This has got to stop,” said Toure Tyler a Pastor at Cross Christian Church.
But Tyler says the efforts are needed now more than ever, especially if we want the violence to stop.
“If it's one person’s problem, it's everybody’s problem. How do we come together with the same thoughts and ideas merged together. A balled up fist is better than one finger so to speak,” said Tyler.
The groups gathered at Chuck E. Cheese's on Ming Avenue, the spot of a shooting more than a month ago to support the innocent business that fell victim to one of these incidents.
And while some may still be looking for answers to this latest outburst of violence, Bakersfield police sergeant Daniel McAfee says their commitments have not changed and they will continue to do what they can to protect the community.
“We're not going to be swayed by the violence and the incident that occurred here. And to let everybody know that the police are heavily involved in the community and we're going to add resolve to the situation that did occur,” said McAfee.
And as a family member to a victim of the Chuck E. Cheese's shooting, Faye Jackson believes it's time for the community to make a stand, saying everybody working together can make a difference.
“Change your mind. It all starts with your mindset. If you change your mind about what you think and what you believe, you can change what happens around you,” said Jackson.
And given the recent shootings, volunteers say they'll visit each crime scene to begin their outreach.
“Our job is to rebuild, restore, reconnect and revitalize the community,” said Tyler.
“It's time to step up. It's time for our generation to come and say that we're not going to stand for it,” said Jackson.
“I think it's important that we bond together to go out and spread the word that this is not OK,” said McAfee
Hoping to make people in these areas feel safer despite the uptick in crime.
