Attendance Up Brings No Concern for Safety at Rodeo | News

By Brett Martin - email

SALINAS, Calif. -In a city that often worries about when the next shooting may happen, the California Rodeo Salinas is a welcome celebration for people in and around the area.

Bob Eggers is the former head of Monterey County's Gang Task Force and a security volunteer for the rodeo since 1995. But now he is the director of security.

"We do everything the same that we have done in years past, which is work with local law enforcement's," said Eggers.

Eggers said the volunteers he works with make up the largest portion on the board. They are responsible for eyes on rodeo grounds.

Record attendance is expected at the California Rodeo this weekend and security says they are ready for it.

Eggers said they know the right amount of manpower they need to keep people safe.

"They know what we need, we know what they need and it works out real well. We have a great relationship with the police department. We've been doing this for so long," Eggers explained.

Salinas Police work overtime during the 5-day rodeo and the city does not lose a dime for the work.

"They are not volunteers, the Rodeo Association pays for the Police services that are out here every year."

And for Eggers, with everyone's eyes on the rodeo, he knows it is important for them to make sure it is safe.

"If you are from Salinas and you have any time in this community, everybody you know is here. People that you haven't seen in a long time, you'll run into them," Eggers said.