The City of Soledad's recent council meeting highlighted significant community engagement efforts and new initiatives aimed at supporting local residents and businesses. A key focus was the collaboration with Livedres Campesinos and the success of the "Coffee with a Cop" event, which fostered positive interactions between community members and law enforcement.

Council members praised the outreach efforts led by Caitlin Zamudio and her team, noting the strong turnout at the recent community policing event. This engagement is part of a broader strategy to enhance community relations and ensure that residents feel connected to their local police force.

In addition to community policing, the council discussed the upcoming holiday office closure from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. This closure is designed to manage staffing efficiently during a period when many employees take time off, aligning with practices observed by other jurisdictions in the area.

The meeting also featured a public hearing on the revised Homebuyer Assistance Program and Economic Development Business Assistance Loan Program guidelines. These programs aim to provide financial support to first-time homebuyers and local businesses, addressing critical needs within the community. The Homebuyer Assistance Program will assist households earning up to 80% of the area median income, while the Economic Development program will offer loans to eligible local businesses.

Council members expressed the importance of community input in shaping these programs, acknowledging that while feedback had been gathered through previous workshops, more direct engagement is needed to ensure that the voices of residents are heard. The council plans to enhance outreach efforts for future meetings to better involve the community in discussions that directly affect them.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to fostering community relationships and providing essential support to both residents and local businesses, with a focus on transparency and collaboration. As these programs move forward, the council aims to ensure that they effectively meet the needs of Soledad's diverse population.