It's been called a crisis. It's been called a state of emergency. Non-stop gang violence got city council all riled up Tuesday. KIMA talked with other council members who agree there is a problem.
But they differ on just how big it is and how to put out the flames.

Everyone agrees. It's a problem. But just how big is it? " I've said for a long time we're dealing with a crisis situation with gang violence" said Yakima City Councilman Micah Cawley. But Councilman Rick Ensey said, " I think we have to be careful about over reacting here. The police, I think, are doing a good job."

After the latest couple gang shootings, concern is growing. Some are calling it a state of emergency. But that would mean asking for federal money to help stop the problem. And that's not so easy. Ensey said, " Bill Lover had the idea of maybe looking at some neighborhood development money, but I just got an email that that money can't be used for law enforcement." He added not even for an emergency.
"No, that's federal money, it's very stringent on how it can be used."

Council also raised the idea of dipping into city reserves. But we wanted to know how that would work. The budget is still unsettled, and layoffs have been threatened. Micah Cawley doesn't want to throw more money at the problem. Even Police Chief Sam Granato agrees. But what will work? Cawley brings up his idea to start a curfew. Council shot it down based on infringing on people's rights. Cawley said, " At this point we've got to stop worrying about that. We've got people terrorizing our communities, shooting up neighbors, friends and innocent bystanders!"

They know there's a problem. If the solution isn't more money, what is? The answer needs to come quickly. Council members are now putting together proposals and hope to have some fresh ideas before they meet again, either Friday or next Monday.

We also wanted to know what candidates for city council think about the issue. Do they have any fresh ideas? "I'd like to see us put together a community wide program that would involve the community with cell phones, everyone having them. We ought to be able to put together a plan on how to inform police officers anonymously that something is going on," said Mary Place, candidate for Yakima City Council.

Place is hoping to unseat Micah Cawley. She's seen the gang problem during her past time as mayor. She said it's also important to take advantage of programs already in place. Like the neighborhood development money. She says even the small things, like cleaning up graffiti and run down houses, can help overall.