Watsonville introduces new police chief

UPDATE 3/8/2016 10:15 PM: To fight crime in Watsonville, the city has introduced a new weapon: Chief of Police David Honda.

“One of the biggest challenges is youth violence, I understand that. Over 32 percent of the population of Watsonville is under the age of 19 so we really, as a community, as a police chief, we have to invest in our youth,” said Honda.

A captain at the San Jose Police Department, Honda brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to the job. City leaders said this is the first time in decades a police chief has been brought in from outside the community and they said they look forward to his fresh ideas.

“We did a youth academy at the San Jose Police Department. I thought that was very successful. But it would be expanded and involve everyone from the city and the non-profits as well,” said Honda.

Still, Honda said he’s well aware of the work in front of him. The same day he met with the community, a 9-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet while sleeping in his home.

“These things are never easy, especially when it’s someone that young,” said Lt. Jorge Zamora with the Watsonville Police Department.

Investigators said the boy is in stable condition at a Bay Area hospital, but the recovery is just beginning.

“This is a traumatic event, not just for the family but for the victims and anyone else living in the home,” said Zamora.

No arrests have been made, but Honda said in order to prevent more tragic crimes like this, it’s going to take more than police.

“It’s not just about the police department, it’s about how we work together as a family to solve community issues,” said Honda.

PREVIOUS STORY: The city of Watsonville will announce a new police chief Tuesday afternoon.

Interim Chief David McCartney has been running the department since Chief Manny Solano retired at the end of 2015.

The new chief, David Honda, comes from the San Jose Police Department. In an email sent to city staff Tuesday morning, City Manager Charles Montoya wrote, “There are definitely big shoes to fill since the departure of Chief Solano; and part of this process was not to try to replace Manny, but to hire someone that would provide new life, perspectives, and opportunities for the City of Watsonville and the department. There were also many qualities that were looked at in choosing a new Chief to represent the community and the department, and I feel that this individual is perfectly suited for the position.”

There will be a press conference Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Civic Plaza Community Room to announce the new chief.