[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6479311,"mediaKeyId","5701429-5511183e4c237d474c4662d7c65d53f9","parentId",5701429,"title","Salinas to fund Chinatown Navigation Center through March if county adds $200,000; council taps contingency for shortfall","audioSeconds",312,"startMs",12623000,"endMs",12935000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701429-5511183e4c237d474c4662d7c65d53f9&start=12623&end=12935","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701429-5511183e4c237d474c4662d7c65d53f9/thumbnail_12623000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479311/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-to-fund-Chinatown-Navigation-Center-through-March-if-county-adds-200000-council-taps-contingency-for-shortfall","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479311-d55665f8c212dbdc50e126e338b89aa4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413719&Signature=Ks~0oItI75czw4pPRlgUE-EMX2qkILYYaxfzONo8bGLwskQUqFgXPb0F7Jc4uFLIZ3H2YHT9XhFoiM69un6u4RyDnbRRdjBnHv7LkcRt5I14kE7DHlgK78tixH-OMrxQn0VM-e22TGDULpOvzs4-calUyvgxLL773AIpMUaJYY7EFqqaa7xC700WjAJl-kI8gBdca9ihmMpEYgkJ4~0OH8wwV9s8R9QJf7RziOb5AqxsFz3uFwEBxPJAAzg8q6xZYL6jOYRAUlhlOl6wkiLHfZNCN0uCNYagz9hUCDsA5YAceOaz8BTxq89jA2xBM~9TcX44B7-vpY8vEaMmTPo-CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salinas","date","2025-08-29T17:48:44Z","article","City officials told the Salinas City Council on Aug. 26 that the Chinatown Navigation Center (CNC), which provides daytime services and shelter navigation for people experiencing homelessness, faces an operating shortfall and would close unless new funding is identified.

Keisha Lopez, the city’s Homeless Services Manager, presented the options and figures. Lopez told the council the center has a bed capacity of 50 and that the city has been working with Community Human Solutions, the county continuum of care and the Leadership Council to seek funding. She said the navigation center has a projected shortfall of about $1.5 million and that the City’s short‑term ask to get through the winter inclement period (November through March) is $587,000.

Lopez described two council options: do not fund further and close the Chinatown Navigation Center on Nov. 30, 2025; or appropriate $387,000 from the City’s budget stabilization contingency if the Continuum of Care (leadership council) provides an additional $200,000, together securing services through the inclement weather period. “The Chinatown navigation center will be closing at some point,” Lopez said during her presentation and asked the council to consider a short runway while the city and partners seek other funds.

Why it matters

The navigation center houses and provides case management for people experiencing homelessness, and the city said closure without an alternative would place residents at immediate risk of returning to unsheltered conditions. City staff said coordinated entry will prioritize residents of the CNC for available placements for 90 days, and that staff and partners are actively working to find exits to interim and permanent housing.

Key clarifications and figures in the presentation

- Bed capacity at the Chinatown Navigation Center: 50.
- The city’s shortfall for the CNC was described as approximately $1.5 million for continued operations beyond existing funding.
- Amount requested to bridge November–March (inclement-weather period): $587,000 total; of that the city asked the Leadership Council for $200,000 and proposed using $387,000 from the City’s contingency if the county contribution materialized.
- The city reported a $1 million contingency fund in the city budget; contingency is separate from reserves.
- Coordinated entry agreed to a 90‑day priority for CNC residents should beds or placements become available.

Council action and direction

Council voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation that the City appropriate $387,000 from the budget stabilization contingency contingent on the Continuum of Care/Leadership Council providing $200,000. If the County/Leadership Council does not provide the $200,000, staff will return to council with a revised request. The council’s action effectively buys time through March 2026 while staff and community partners pursue additional funding and placement options.

Public comment and next steps

Speakers included service providers and community members who urged the council to keep the CNC open, said the center places people into housing and warned of limited shelter capacity elsewhere in the region. City staff and partners said they would prioritize coordinated entry assessments for CNC residents, explore interim shelter options with nearby providers and continue fundraising efforts. The city manager said staff would prioritize replenishing contingency at the midyear budget depending on the audited fund balance.

Ending

The council’s vote buys several months for staff and partners to pursue additional resources and to prioritize CNC residents for any openings in interim or permanent housing slots. Council members directed staff to return with updates and to explore alternatives for inclement-weather capacity if the Continuum of Care funding does not materialize.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","08.26.25 Salinas City Council Meeting of August 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff warned on Aug. 26 that the Chinatown Navigation Center faces an operating shortfall and would close without new funding; the council voted to commit contingency funds if county partners contribute.","taxTitle","Salinas, Monterey County, California","taxId",4681,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479315,"Salinas reports fewer July 4 structure and vegetation fires after expanded fireworks enforcement; 96 citations issued",746,2814000,3560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701429-5511183e4c237d474c4662d7c65d53f9&start=2814&end=3560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701429-5511183e4c237d474c4662d7c65d53f9/thumbnail_2814000.jpg","/articles/6479315/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-reports-fewer-July-4-structure-and-vegetation-fires-after-expanded-fireworks-enforcement-96-citations-issued","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479315-082cd5b6abc06a9b08dbf97526dfc7ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413719&Signature=oHkmVaeM6L~l~Lg7DC2Rxm1wfYV2KSGRFk-d9mjCK43kb-pXtF25cDssZfio6WhLiILwTzQAkSPDbY5HmYeUBpW59Wb6Fmiw8eSBPxZ9v7nOOgVwVHVVZLz0foMSK98U0a-vCutH0whT-8ztJlqi3UtJoM7nSFFYwJmbOqlAeFoV6bMo-kcejCW4LxGWJioj2eHfSrQcTj0OWY6q4kB5L7asmmuaqjGDYaAzn727sozgyyamrXXOAD0Ufu1L5I7kdoWUNlY7RZnb7kABcv45iqr0lesSUFdJVQDEaj9T-vclmhFeqwIeLS9gUdHFm41Q9jZsGtK8E4pPFZztBKA9VA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Salinas officials said the city saw fewer fireworks-related structure and vegetation fires this year while reporting a rise in enforcement technology and case processing. Division Chief and Fire Marshal Chris Knapp told the Salinas City Council on Aug. 26 that the department issued 96 administrative citations tied to illegal fireworks and documented what he described as a reduction in suppression incidents compared with 2024.

Knapp said the city’s enforcement campaign combined outreach, marked and unmarked vehicles, and four drones operated by Salinas Fire and Salinas Police. “The administrative citation is $1,500 per fuse that is lit,” Knapp said, describing the citation calculation that produced a total figure in the report’s slides of roughly $218,000 in citations issued. He added the department had collected about $27,000 so far this year through payment plans and paid citations.

The fire marshal said the task force relied on 39 staffers that included 16 fire department members, eight fire prevention staffers, four Salinas Police patrol units, and 14 additional city staff volunteers. Knapp credited drones and new processing software with faster address identification and evidence collection: “Drones are a game changer for us,” he said, describing how a pilot can place a crosshair on a house and create a geolocation the office later ties to an administrative notice.

Why it matters

Knapp presented the enforcement work as part of a multi-year strategy that pairs public education, permitted “safe and sane” sales and after‑the‑fact administrative enforcement rather than face‑to‑face citations during unsafe contacts. The council received the report and supported staff recommendations to continue drone use, pursue regional task‑force options and add enforcement capacity.

What the report found

- Reports from the public to the city’s reporting systems decreased compared with the prior year (the report compared multiple channels).
- The department documented fewer structure fires and fewer vegetation incidents in 2025 versus 2024.
- The city issued 96 administrative citations tied to the July 4 enforcement period; the largest single citation recorded was listed in the presentation as $10,250. Total citations written amounted to roughly $218,000.
- Collected payments so far total about $27,000, with 24 active payment plans and 11 citations paid in full, the fire marshal said.

Recommendations and next steps

Knapp urged the council to keep investing in enforcement technology and staff capacity. Among his recommendations were continued use of drones, expanded interagency collaboration, a dedicated deputy fire marshal position to manage the work year‑round, and improved public signage and outreach at safe‑and‑sane sales locations. The fire marshal told the council he planned to add required signage at vendor points of sale next year.

Council action

Council members voted unanimously to receive the report and to support the staff recommendations. The roll call recorded by the clerk showed all present members voting to receive the report.

Public comment and vendor responses

Representatives of TNT Fireworks and community organizations addressed the council. Milton of TNT offered to meet with council members to explain vendor storage and permitting. Members of the public praised the quieter July 4 witnessed in some neighborhoods and suggested alternatives such as community fireworks events and expanded voluntary surrender programs for unwanted fireworks. The fire marshal said the city does accept surrendered fireworks and coordinates disposal through the State Fire Marshal.

Ending

Council members thanked Knapp and his staff for the task force’s work and supported the motion to continue the program with the improvements and investments recommended in the report.","Fire Marshal Chris Knapp told Salinas City Council the 2025 illegal-fireworks enforcement produced fewer suppression incidents than 2024, 96 administrative citations and about $218,000 in citation charges; staff recommended continued drone use, regional coordination and a new deputy fire marshal to sustain efforts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479306,"County verifies 7,156 signatures for referendum on city rent ordinances; council accepts certificate of sufficiency",687,15775000,16462000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701429-5511183e4c237d474c4662d7c65d53f9&start=15775&end=16462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701429-5511183e4c237d474c4662d7c65d53f9/thumbnail_15775000.jpg","/articles/6479306/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/County-verifies-7156-signatures-for-referendum-on-city-rent-ordinances-council-accepts-certificate-of-sufficiency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479306-fc144d775938c122494d8cde4f4e7557/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413719&Signature=R16gdpLLILZ--Zf9er7p3d6Hmdyx09fTMyTYRf-u6TelqJ2HO~Lp2iJLg7uFFtDtVMqZUimXqL-9v1Xi~tU9fnJsKOunqRYRRRMSbzgn5ba6yqE8byZQP4S7Nq6jjuaaRaZ9Sf~kqbqa-oQ3taDKqXVcj9Jwdk6RntxiZfwMmXlXFBQS3bZA~P3p1vywMO~qTuE1VFPC3HcB2lhNJaHUuXWeIi0D6LfCN54fBD6mPy5a4P54pa5jF8sWa82aSkCJn4fI-FQksROCrPNhMf2698RUrhkRCd86~Hwsgi6kL8yAHKZdIJvgfq987io8nZ5Q8hWfIPLRvPRo~4AMozG~EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council on Aug. 26 accepted a certificate from the Monterey County registrar of voters showing that a referendum petition challenging the council’s repeal of four rent‑related ordinances had met the signature threshold to qualify.

City Clerk Patty told the council that the proponents submitted 10,448 signatures for verification. The registrar’s full check returned 7,156 valid signatures and 3,292 insufficient signatures. Patty said the number of required signatures to qualify was 6,998 and presented the certificate of sufficiency to the council for acceptance.

Why it matters

The certified referendum prevents the council’s repeal ordinance from taking immediate final effect and requires the council to decide whether to repeal the repeal, place the matter on the ballot or hold a special election. Patty told the council it would return to the council on Sept. 9 with the formal options to consider.

What the clerk said

“We received the registrar’s certificate of signature verification,” Patty said, summarizing the county’s count and the options the council will have in September. She noted the next meeting will present options including repealing the repeal or submitting the ordinance to the voters in either the next regular municipal election or a special election.

Public comment and community response

The public comment period on this item drew many speakers. Dozens of residents and organizations urged the council to respect the verified signatures and allow voters to decide in the November 2026 regular municipal election rather than hold a special election. Protect Salinas Renters and multiple residents emphasized turnout and urged the council to “repeal the repeal.” Other speakers, including local business and housing advocates, urged caution and asked the council to examine economic effects and housing supply implications.

Council action and next steps

Council formally accepted the county’s certificate of sufficiency by unanimous roll‑call vote. Patty explained the council will be presented with options at the Sept. 9 meeting; those options include repealing the repeal now, placing the matter on the ballot at the next regular municipal election or calling a special election no fewer than 88 days after council action if the council chooses that route.

Ending

Accepting the certificate advances a procedural step that preserves the right of the referendum proponents to pursue a ballot resolution. The council’s Sept. 9 meeting will include a staff report laying out the legal and calendar options and the potential fiscal impacts of a special election.","The Monterey County registrar completed a signature verification and certified 7,156 valid signatures for the referendum challenging the City Council's June repeal of four rent-related ordinances. City Clerk Patty told council the required threshold was 6,998; the council accepted the county certificate and will consider next steps Sept. 9.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Salinas to fund Chinatown Navigation Center through March if county adds $200,000; council taps contingency for shortfall

Salinas reports fewer July 4 structure and vegetation fires after expanded fireworks enforcement; 96 citations issued

County verifies 7,156 signatures for referendum on city rent ordinances; council accepts certificate of sufficiency