[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6461450,"mediaKeyId","5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c","parentId",5824217,"title","Salinas council sends repeal of rent ordinances to November 2026 ballot after months of protests and public comment","audioSeconds",6561,"startMs",7691000,"endMs",14252000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c&start=7691&end=14252","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c/thumbnail_7691000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461450/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-council-sends-repeal-of-rent-ordinances-to-November-2026-ballot-after-months-of-protests-and-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461450-7b203a0c2ed84592425f811d03e80bbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771020589&Signature=HRBvH9Jx4io4bAnsxmZTh5mr2bDvZULBtMT91kNm~bsEHW6pXM96MwxjYr403YCdvIJ5QB3RMeSzAHy~YU6B21wpsaBBrzatNk-m6mjZjflsI2F2myzQ9wyNo6IwFUvrHcdsDomHFeURmFys1IgApks-AZikRS-ts-JNKD9uN~NrYuxvV-PVDqd~9nF9ysKaGt3PhufbezxeWL~uPOJDdzbcRIRzrn946Z-xxDhMqTXeSMi~rrToIbb733ph9wEVNtq2-oUoADxkKI8Tk0T7gmPwEWOukA1eK~xB4hIVrK9WaRwRdmbLk86RXWWlzHz4K2tWu8y6CxNFwjlk7t~Bcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salinas","date","2025-09-24T12:33:53.267Z","article","The Salinas City Council voted 4–3 on Sept. 23 to place the council’s earlier repeal of four tenant-protection ordinances (repeal ordinance, Ordinance No. 2687) before voters at the Nov. 3, 2026, general municipal election.

The council’s substitute motion — made by Councilmember Salena Sandoval and seconded by Councilmember Salazar — passed with Councilmembers D’Arrigo, De La Rosa, Salazar and Sandoval voting yes and Councilmembers Barajas, Barrera and Mayor Dennis Donahue voting no.

Supporters of keeping the ordinances in place said the repeal had been carried out without adequate community input and would remove protections for renters who, they said, face displacement and harassment. “The decision to gut these protections was made without any data, public input, or respect for the democratic process,” said Andrea Diaz, who read an English translation during public comment for Centro Ignacional and speakers aligned with the Protect Salinas Renters petition.

Opponents and several landlords and property owners said the local rules would harm small-scale owners and discourage investment, and they urged a public vote or other changes to avoid long-term fiscal and housing-market consequences. “Listen to what the public’s telling you,” landlord advocate Jeff Davie told the council during public comment.

Why it matters: More than 10,000 Salinas residents signed a petition to qualify a referendum on the council’s June repeal. Under California election law, the petition qualified for review by the Monterey County Registrar of Voters; the county verified the signatures and the city accepted that verification. Councilmembers who supported placing the repeal on the 2026 general ballot framed the vote as the most inclusive way to resolve a divisive local policy fight.

What the council did: The council did not reverse its June repeal that removed the rental registration, rent stabilization, just-cause eviction and anti-harassment provisions. Instead, the council voted to submit that repeal to the voters in the November 2026 general election, a step that requires only a majority vote of the council. Council members who opposed the substitute motion argued for different approaches, including immediate repeal-and-reinstate negotiations and additional community outreach.

Public input and context: Council meetings on the topic drew dozens of speakers — renters, youth leaders, tenant advocates and small landlords — and repeated calls for broader community engagement. Several community groups including youth leaders from CCA and organizers for Protect Salinas Renters urged the council to restore the ordinances and allow data collection and program implementation before any further changes. Landlord groups and property owners emphasized the potential fiscal impacts and difficulties for small owners.

Election logistics and cost: City staff outlined election options and estimated costs during the meeting. The city clerk reported that a general municipal election typically costs the city roughly $7–$10 per registered voter when consolidated with other jurisdictions; Salinas had about 70,635 registered voters at the time of the clerk’s report. Special elections are more expensive. City staff said the city typically budgets $500,000 for election costs and would not expect an additional per-ballot cost if the measure is placed on the regular Nov. 2026 municipal ballot.

What’s next: The council’s action directs staff to place the referendum question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot and to undertake the administrative steps necessary to do so. Interested residents, renter-advocacy groups and property-owner groups will likely mount campaigns for and against the measure in the lead-up to the election. The council and staff also discussed but did not adopt interim changes to the city’s rental programs during the meeting.

Council vote: Substitute motion (place repeal ordinance on Nov. 3, 2026 general election) — Mover: Councilmember Salena Sandoval; Second: Councilmember Salazar. Vote: Yes — Councilmembers D’Arrigo, De La Rosa, Salazar, Sandoval (4). No — Councilmembers Barajas, Barrera, Mayor Dennis Donahue (3). Motion passes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LIVE COVERAGE Salinas City Council Meeting of September 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Salinas City Council voted 4–3 on Sept. 23 to submit its earlier repeal of four tenant-protection ordinances (Ordinance No. 2687) to the Nov. 3, 2026 general municipal election rather than immediately reinstating or further amending the local rules.","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},6461445,"Developer outlines 100% affordable mixed-use project on East Market Street, seeks streamlined SB 423 review",424,5667000,6091000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c&start=5667&end=6091","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c/thumbnail_5667000.jpg","/articles/6461445/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Developer-outlines-100-affordable-mixed-use-project-on-East-Market-Street-seeks-streamlined-SB-423-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461445-4506928f52bb61523960542f421bc92c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771020589&Signature=AtY6lkY5g74wcZ-2o~Co7846UVNcBcq6FF9hl2w2He-tkLbuGbwRO33CQsUg4bfbmGYBidf2oCbEXxReXULankI4C-8grEyQGBYYMMFzJ4PFlTVDztrIchqVYj2q4Pa6-1I6lvebyQiP5tHi5T1jvlXNg9d2GpLYQlIA4YRjKkTtpsX7hxlictIVYmvw-PcDb1MFZNe5jB9wlQzL741vHsNiz6iQr1~aZUelxM6IZeQ6PMkdHvtqnrgG9LYPmU6zJDzk88AOEB1RUG9noEFBkG4Ndd~mZpyAJ6sJ8BwPvwLrseq~v2yVSEIwgHLhAGlwCCkINmeMM0zELNfLX4Vn0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Envision 2 LLC presented a preliminary project review on Sept. 23 for a proposed 100% affordable, mixed-use building at 467 and 479 East Market Street (described in the presentation as East Market). The applicant said it expects roughly 75–85 rental units, including family-sized two- and three-bedroom apartments, with commercial space on the ground floor planned as a kitchen incubator and women’s business center in partnership with El Paro CDC.

The item was presented as a public meeting required under Senate Bill 423 (SB 423), which allows certain housing projects to be processed ministerially if they meet statutory criteria and do not deviate more than 20% from the original preliminary submittal. No action was required of the council; staff and the developer sought feedback from residents and council.

Project details and schedule: Project representatives said site testing revealed historical fuel-tank contamination; the team has already used more than $2 million in state cleanup grant funds for initial soil removal and expects additional remediation and state water-board approvals through 2026. The conceptual design shown in the presentation calls for a five- or six-story building (wood over podium) with resident amenities, outdoor space for families, bike parking, and parking “more than 1 space per unit” though not an excessive amount. The developer said the project would prioritize prevailing wages and local hiring and would provide transit-related measures such as bus passes and bike and shared-vehicle access.

Funding and approvals: The developer said the project still must compete for capital funding (tax-credit allocations and other affordable-housing sources). The team’s “dream” timetable is to break ground in 2027, contingent on entitlements, funding awards and building permits. Staff confirmed the application is being processed under the SB 423 ministerial review pathway and that tribes and other required agencies have been notified.

Community input and next steps: Developers and staff emphasized continuing outreach. Councilmembers asked about community engagement, union labor and tenant-serving ground-floor commercial partnerships; the developer said it had done neighborhood meetings, mailed notices within a half-mile, hosted Zoom briefings and prioritized prevailing wages and local contractors. Councilmembers and residents raised child care needs, parking and ensuring local hiring. The applicant said it would continue to take comments as it refines the project and pursues funding.

Why it matters: The project would add exclusively affordable rental housing in downtown Salinas, reserve larger units for families and attempt to host on-site commercial space aimed at food business incubation. The timeline remains contingent on complex remediation and financing steps.

Speakers quoted in this item included Sibley Simon (project representative) and Tom Miles (City planning staff).","Envision 2 LLC presented plans and site cleanup progress for a proposed 75–85 unit, 100% affordable mixed-use development at 467–479 East Market Street. The project team said contamination-remediation work has begun with over $2 million in state cleanup funds and a goal to break ground in 2027 if financing is secured.",{"_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},6461436,"City reviews HUD CAPER showing nearly $15 million in entitlement funds over review period; public comment period open",921,15109000,16030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c&start=15109&end=16030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c/thumbnail_15109000.jpg","/articles/6461436/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/City-reviews-HUD-CAPER-showing-nearly-15-million-in-entitlement-funds-over-review-period-public-comment-period-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461436-133f70e8f9af9714f8cb8191f8148510/orig.mp4?Expires=1771020589&Signature=CYIm3qNUMtHOIPHcbCa5UAP3QZ6xrM6jaNElRTfLuxQdH6jHwMk~B40pI6r2BMmIWF5~zbzBkvpN1J1mAuF5ZOHTjq2aN63yDzNryxZSIJR5jHFqNQPSb2EdCgNUfDg114-oHVyyDaYGbQcULgCWy5dxq5VXxqxSidqL~lEdziMZXfqn9ylO3Pn6urav3ReKsvvIgrXRI~P9yEMxOj3f1I681UkPmMIa2JihVR8mTCXPCvoFE2cqDFpHEiksPnuZpJLoW4THzS1VTross~jeOU4h0jpxGuzGyM6U8jiNtKcYsw3iGB19zARgQkAypF6ASLTCAaNyENucx7zpVyx4aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the fiscal year 2024–25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and asked the council to approve submission to HUD by the federal deadline.

The CAPER summarizes the city’s expenditure of nearly $15 million in HUD funds over the plan period, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, HOME-ARP and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. Staff reported that just under $4 million was spent in FY 2024–25 on housing, public services and public facilities projects such as the Hebbron Family Center and Sherbro Recreation Center; pandemic-targeted CDBG-CV funding has largely been exhausted. HOME-ARP funds will be focused on supportive services for permanent supportive housing and staff expect programmatic uses to appear in the coming fiscal year.

A required 15-day public-comment period for the draft CAPER was opened in September with bilingual notices posted to the city website, libraries and other public locations. Staff recommended council approval of the CAPER and authorized submission to HUD by the Sept. 28 deadline. The council approved the resolution.

The CAPER is an administrative compliance document and not a separate project under CEQA; staff highlighted that projects supported by HUD funds align with city strategic goals for housing, economic development and youth services. The city will continue to solicit public comment during the 15-day review window prior to submission.","City staff presented the fiscal year 2024–25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) summarizing nearly $15 million in HUD entitlement funds, including CDBG, HOME, HOME-ARP and ESG allocations. The CAPER documents pandemic-era spending and current allocations, and staff sought council approval to submit the report to HUD by a ",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461440,"Salinas adopts sanitary sewer rate increase, approves 15% bill-assistance program for qualifying low-income households",1701,14918000,16619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c&start=14918&end=16619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824217-560f31bb6507ab53ff257d2c63b3ed1c/thumbnail_14918000.jpg","/articles/6461440/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-adopts-sanitary-sewer-rate-increase-approves-15-bill-assistance-program-for-qualifying-low-income-households","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461440-84739749cd42eae8c93af932c8ccb2b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771020589&Signature=Tdfuhr~CkaScutdRUW0dC6zvtsLiSH9JgH-fbJS8AflpWgRpFBZHetuxDji2Hp45WRRHKks1cHjlTfgiVAGiwTKY0NeDcyZls-GoLNIHUW6ydypcomiVk1aRquWP8hh20PjOOld54gHh0fFckegfpu8ZDrdzzkaq5IZ0qcVsHcxBsBKC9yObhbzELuvVZmzrXDgLkXmVNmVzihX7v-lVgx53MdorttNtLbAGtNmMS5WmNLSq45h4pLd0oEUQnCiznDBm259Qm0kXP7tEk9XdpGV6yU4Z5zUCBMEz5KXO-qtqlHL2FTAMnqMlM~NmmUfxP2Qd9NHg-TWwgrePln3ZlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council adopted a revised sanitary sewer rate schedule on Sept. 23 and approved a related residential sewer bill-assistance program intended to partially mitigate the new rates for low-income households.

Rate decision: City staff and its rate consultant presented a study of the sanitary sewer system’s revenue needs, capital program and reserves and concluded that rate increases were necessary to bring the sewer fund into compliance with debt covenants and to finance operations and capital improvements. Notices were mailed to more than 34,500 property owners and rate payers; the city received 63 written protests as of the public hearing, well below the number required to stop the increase (a majority protest would have required 15,592 protests). The new rates take effect Oct. 1.

Financial context and risks: Staff and the finance director told the council that the sewer fund’s downgrade to a negative outlook and ongoing underfunding posed a risk to the city’s credit and that significant underperformance could trigger debt consequences. The council heard from staff that a failure to adopt rates could lead to higher borrowing costs or other fiscal stress.

Payment assistance program: To help low-income residents absorb the change, the council approved a residential sewer payment assistance program that provides a 15% annual benefit based on the new sewer rates. The program is designed to prioritize reach (the council-assigned budget for the program is $150,000 for the fiscal year) and requires applicants to participate in the state CARE (or similar low-income) energy assistance program and to be the account holder or otherwise responsible for payment.

Program details and outreach: The city manager and staff described the program as application-based and subject to funding availability; funds will be distributed until the $150,000 allocation is exhausted. Applications will be accepted and processed through the city; staff committed to outreach through community partners and city counters to reach seniors and limited-English households. Councilmembers requested follow-up work to explore a flow-based rate structure and to coordinate with Monterey One Water on broader billing methodology.

Public comment and concerns: Speakers raised fairness concerns about fixed per-household billing versus actual flow-based usage and urged more robust outreach, especially to seniors and renters who may lack internet access. Several commenters suggested a smaller upfront rate increase or phased options; others supported the city’s action to stabilize sewer system finances.

Vote: Council approved the adopted rate schedule and the payment assistance program in separate but related actions (votes recorded in the official minutes).","The council adopted a multi-year sanitary sewer rate schedule effective Oct. 1 and approved a city-funded residential sewer payment assistance program that will provide a 15% annual credit to qualifying households (PG&E CARE program participants and those responsible for sewer payment). The council received 63 written protests, far below the 50%+1","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Salinas council sends repeal of rent ordinances to November 2026 ballot after months of protests and public comment

Developer outlines 100% affordable mixed-use project on East Market Street, seeks streamlined SB 423 review

City reviews HUD CAPER showing nearly $15 million in entitlement funds over review period; public comment period open

Salinas adopts sanitary sewer rate increase, approves 15% bill-assistance program for qualifying low-income households