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Salinas council votes to repeal four tenant‑protection ordinances after heated public comment
Summary
After extensive public comment, the City Council voted 5–2 to adopt an ordinance repealing four previously enacted tenant‑protection measures. Supporters of the repeal said state law and other programs suffice; opponents said the local protections and a rental registry helped renters and should be retained.
The Salinas City Council voted to adopt an ordinance repealing four city ordinances that together implemented local tenant protections, including local rent‑stabilization provisions and tenant anti‑harassment measures.
Council member Margaret Breyer said she was making the motion to repeal; another council member seconded. City Attorney staff confirmed the motion would repeal Ordinances 2663, 2681, 2682 and 2683, returning the city to the regulatory baseline set by state law. After public comment that lasted more than two hours, the council voted 5–2. Council members Barajas, D'Arrigo, Dela Rosa, Salazar and Mayor Donoghue voted in favor; Council members Barrera and Sandoval voted no.
The meeting drew lengthy public testimony both for and against the repeal. Supporters of the ordinances said many local renters rely on the city measures and a rental registry for enforcement and outreach. “82,000 people rent in this city of Salinas, and they need your help,” said Bill Freeman. Speakers described overcrowding, students identified as McKinney‑Vento (experiencing homelessness) and people living doubled‑up; one speaker said more than 5,220 students countywide are McKinney‑Vento. “If you vote no, don't pretend you care about renters,” teacher Maggie Power told the council.
Opponents of the ordinances, including several local landlords and property managers, urged repeal or revision. A property manager with three decades of local experience said increased regulation and overlapping local rules have raised costs and complicated landlord efforts to maintain properties. Multiple speakers suggested focusing on housing supply, rental assistance and tenant education rather than local rent caps.
Council debate was brief after public comment. Council member D'Arrigo made a procedural motion later recorded on the vote and the clerk called the roll. The motion to adopt the ordinance repealing the four measures passed 5–2. The council did not at that meeting adopt a citywide rental assistance program; some council members discussed exploring rental‑assistance options in separate budget discussions.
The repeal removes the local municipal-level measures but does not remove rights guaranteed by state law, city staff said during the meeting. City staff and community groups discussed the need for follow‑up to inform renters about state protections and where to get legal help. Several speakers and council members asked staff to provide education and outreach alongside any changes.
The specific ordinance numbers repealed are recorded in the adopted motion. City staff will update city webpages and administrative procedures to reflect the change and said they would communicate resources for tenants and landlords where appropriate.
