Does Monterey have a crime problem? The Monterey Planning Commission seems to think so, with a majority of commissioners last month voting to block the opening of a new club on Alvarado Street, on the grounds that it would increase mischief and mayhem in the downtown area. So, how do local residents feel about security in Monterey?

Joseph Epstein

Age: 68

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Retired

Is there a crime problem in Monterey? Two girls were killed. Thank God they caught them.

How has crime changed? There''s been influence from Seaside and Salinas. Thank God for Clinton. He''s put more police on the street--it works.

Would another club increase crime? It would.

Jeff Burkes

Age: 26

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Police Officer

Is there a crime problem? Not compared to where I went to college, in Fresno.

Why is it so safe? The community works well with the police and there''s a lot of money, and not many have-nots.

Would another club increase crime? Whenever you have a large number of people and alcohol, there are problems. It would depend on the ownership and what steps they took to be responsible for patrons.

Yves Vida

Age: 17

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Student

Is Monterey safe? Yes, it''s kind of dead actually.

Would another club change that? It would just be the same thing--drunk people yelling. Older people think young people are dangerous though, ''cause of how they dress.

What if the new club were 16 and over? They''d probably get more customers.

Armando Villegas

Age: 23

Resides: Salinas

Occupation: Instructional Assistant

Is Monterey safe? It''s very safe compared to Seaside and Salinas.

Is there a strong enough police presence? There are plenty. I see them everywhere.

Have you ever had any crime problem?

Some drunk person hit me. He''d just come out of a club, but I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

MaryAnn Finocchi

Age: Over 50

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Retired

Is Monterey safe? Security is excellent. Our new police chief, Gary Brown, has been very good.

Would another club increase crime? There are enough clubs. Monterey''s a historical city and needs other things--Downtown competes with malls--it needs small businesses with personal service to compete.

What if the new club were 16 and over? Young people have plenty of places. Coffee shops are like drugstores were in the past--a good place to hang-out.