WASCO, Calif. (KERO) — Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia is taking on the violence that has rocked his community in 2020 by raising awareness in the new year.

On Sunday Garcia held a walk at the 15th Street Pocket Park to honor the two people killed in shootings to mark the end of the year. Garcia said that he will continue to help the community deal with the increase in violence and the walk is just the first step.

"That's what we've done. We've shined some light on this," said Garcia. "We've gotten together a group of moms that are really passionate about this issue. They are concerned about the loss of life of young men of our community and our statement to the bad characters is that you are not welcome here We will take back our community."

The mayor is set to announce the city's plan - which will include the campaign Take Back the Park - to deal with the recent spike in violence at the Wasco city council meeting Tuesday.