The Regular City Council Meeting for the City of Soledad took place on November 6, 2024, focusing on community engagement and support initiatives. The meeting began with a public comment period, which concluded without any contributions from attendees, both in-person and via Zoom.
Following the public comments, the council moved to presentations, starting with two proclamations. The first proclamation recognized November 30 as "Shop Local and Small Business Saturday." Council Member Anselmo Sanchez read the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of supporting small businesses for economic vitality and community spirit. The council urged residents to shop locally during the holiday season to benefit the local economy. Representatives from the Monterey County Small Business Development Center expressed gratitude for the council's support and highlighted their role in assisting local entrepreneurs.
The second proclamation declared November 2024 as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Council Member Cabrera presented this proclamation, acknowledging the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals and families. The proclamation aimed to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease. Ida Lopez Shantz, CEO of the Soledad Community Healthcare District, and Greg Stevens, board president, spoke about the importance of community support and resources for families dealing with Alzheimer's. They highlighted initiatives aimed at education and caregiver support, stressing the need for increased awareness in the community.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to continue supporting local businesses and raising awareness for Alzheimer's, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in these initiatives.