Soledad Council approves street closures and fee waivers for inaugural Saludette food‑and‑wine event

The Soledad City Council on Sept. 18 approved a resolution allowing in‑kind city services, waivers of park and police special‑event permit fees and a temporary closure of Front Street for the inaugural Saludette Bonding and Dining event, scheduled for Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

City staff presented a budget portfolio and said the event team selected a Friday evening to accommodate winery schedules during harvest season and to avoid conflicts with other fall events. Staff told the council they will submit alcoholic‑beverage permit paperwork no earlier than 30 days before the event, per ABC rules explained during the presentation.

Council discussion focused on cost transparency and local participation. Members asked for a more detailed, line‑by‑line budget and expressions of how in‑kind staff time (police, public works) would be quantified. Staff said the budget included an estimated worst‑case of about $13,500 in city costs but that revenue projections (300 tickets at $45) plus vendor registration could bring in roughly $14,000, and that sponsorships are being pursued to lower net costs to the City.

Council members also urged staff to prioritize local businesses for vendor and sponsorship opportunities and to plan outreach that reaches seniors and residents who may not use social media. Staff said some promotional goods would be sourced locally for logo application, and that vendor and sponsorship outreach is already underway through the City's business‑development contacts.

The council moved and approved the resolution by voice vote. The City will continue to refine the budget and report back to council on in‑kind staffing cost estimates and marketing plans ahead of the event.