Salinas school ups campus security after shooting threat

Class is underway at Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas, but there’s something in the back of everyone’s minds.

Last week, someone wrote a threatening message on the wall of the boys’ restroom about a school shooting on March 9.

The Salinas Union High School District discredited the threat. Salinas Police also interviewed a student regarding the case. On Wednesday, the school district brought in extra staff and two Salinas Police officers were stationed outside of the school.

“We have worked with police throughout the process and so yes there was a threat and yes we have kept parents and staff informed and they’re happy for that of course,” said Jacqui Axtell, principal of Everett Alvarez High School.

As a precaution, the school has increased security, but some students are still nervous.

On social media, parents posted about student fear on the Facebook group “Neighborhood Watch Help in Salinas.” Posts indicated some students decided to skip school. Elsa Hughes’ son was apprehensive about going to school, however, she felt confident her son would be safe.

“Of course you don’t want to look scared or be scared or pretend to be scared in front of your child, you want to make sure they perceive the same strength, so I just turned around and said, “You keep an eye out and be aware of your surroundings, focus on your education and God is with you,”” Hughes said.

The Central Coast is no stranger to school threats. In February, there was a bomb/gun threat at Carmel High School. In December, there was a threat at San Benito High School in Hollister. In November, the King City Union School District canceled school twice following a threat.