The city of Salinas will soon receive a $1.5 million grant to prevent violence. The funds will be awarded by the California Gang Reduction Intervention and Prevention Program which gives over $9 million towards the cause every year. Salinas officials hope to use the funds to implement new violence prevention programs and increase police presence in crime hotspots, such as Acosta Plaza. Starting in January, the city will receive $500,000 annually for three years.