Community volunteers ask Salinas Union High trustees to back 'WhistleMania' safety initiative

Candy McCarthy, a former Alisal teacher and principal, told the Salinas Union High School District board that a volunteer effort called WhistleMania assembled about 3,000 whistle kits and that multiple schools and community groups have asked for supplies and help distributing them. "We put together 3,000 whistle kits in about an hour and a half," McCarthy said, and asked the board for permission to work with principals to run similar events at district sites.

Student speaker Sofia Godinez Barba described volunteering at a kit‑building session and urged trustees to endorse a student-centered version of the event for district schools. "WhistleMania isn't just about whistles. It's about looking out for each other, standing up for immigrant neighbors, and showing that leadership and care happen in everyday actions," she said.

McCarthy told the board Salinas City Elementary asked for 1,000 whistles and that LULAC, the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council and CSUMB student leaders also requested kits. A union representative who spoke later voiced support for the program and called for collaboration between labor and the district to promote student safety and civic engagement.

Board members had no formal vote on the public comment; the request entered the record and staff indicated they would work with principals and community partners on logistics. Trustees praised the student involvement and the project's potential for community outreach and civic learning.