Council issues multiple proclamations; residents urge retail investment and traffic safety

The Soledad City Council issued several community proclamations on July 1 and heard public comments on local concerns.

Proclamations: The council recognized July 4, 2026 as the 250th anniversary of the United States and California’s 175th anniversary of statehood, proclaimed the first Tuesday in August as National Night Out and declared July as Park & Recreation Month with event details (Music in the Park on July 10 at Cesar Chavez Park, a seniors’ social on July 14 and summer camp sign-ups). The council also proclaimed July 6 as Mario Martinez Day to honor the late Olympic weightlifter and local native; family representatives accepted the proclamation and photographs were taken.

Public comment: The clerk read two written comments. A Soledad resident identified as Natalia asked what steps are needed to attract a big‑box retailer such as Target, Walmart or Costco to town, noting high gas prices and interest in new retail to grow sales tax revenue. The second written commenter, Vicki, asked the council to address speeding on Terza Street near Lum and Pavarini parks and requested stop signs or speed bumps to protect children during sports practices. In‑chamber public comment included a retiring staff member thanking the council for partnership and community members urging durable fencing adjacent to proposed apartments in the Almond Acres project.

Council members thanked the Historical Society for accepting a proclamation and encouraged residents to participate in upcoming parks and Fourth of July events.