San Antonio's west side, known for its food, culture and people, also has a trait that is less than ideal, said people who took part in a first-of-its-kind block walk Sunday.
Drug dealing, prostitution, shootings, stabbings and other crimes are too common in the neighborhood directly west of downtown.
Police Chief William McManus says enough is enough.
"We're just not going to tolerate it, and we are going to counter everything that [criminals] do," he said.
McManus joined Bexar County Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz and dozens of west-side residents in a walk Sunday to meet neighbors, talk to police officers and get a taste for what it's like.
McManus knows it's a long, hard battle to be fought.
"There's not one agency or entity that can fix this by themselves," he said. "It has to be a partnership between police, community and other departments to make this neighborhood what it could be and what it should be."
John Dominguez has lived deep in the west side for the better part of 20 years. He takes pride in his block and more pride that he knows his neighbors by first name.
"It's as safe as living in the suburbs, I think."
Still, he's seen it change over the years.
"Crime. The problems in this area -- drug problems, drinking problems. Everything."
But he and McManus think the block walk is a step in the right direction.
"It just shows unity, and I think it's where it starts," McManus said.
Organizers and walkers met on the 1500 block of Saltillo Street, and they said they hope to have more block walks in the near future.
