[{"_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",6623609,"mediaKeyId","2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1","parentId",2769569,"title","Public comment draws sharp, split views on Salinas rent‑stabilization rules; council asks staff to return with options","audioSeconds",8357,"startMs",3334000,"endMs",11691000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1&start=3334&end=11691","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1/thumbnail_3334000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6623609/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Public-comment-draws-sharp-split-views-on-Salinas-rentstabilization-rules-council-asks-staff-to-return-with-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623609-5476a93b6b322932da0175474b7a4d12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193783&Signature=lmEOf7XVOsKPH8IjUhvcxCdttD9EK1RBFQohsthhed4~zjBASPdFk4S6UhaEpQ8RDssfnPpRFRGTUvU4UReOGUL9tEEfz1qcudzHJxG4aB3flSxoxGXAmArQo2pnkyiPejZAauGWurUuIUnGfFMehciDGE9BvsLj7Db1XFpZMxufRsnwBRrp5cZ6Y~TK~YEqiCmJ0yuM9TIvYCdKz0S6jmOET~E77zSxOzP4QK6wSyR10uKhaQOzpeNF53QyU5UrCMEVhpLXrSJ~IWirQ2vFoa-sH61AR7o9LAopGKjzxOS1lLLTW45C2pkIVdeb7NdAODFaNt-j4mrBjzjgxLDA9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salinas","date","2025-03-26T04:17:51.72Z","article","A long public‑comment period at Tuesday’s Salinas City Council meeting focused on the city’s rental‑registration and rent‑stabilization measures, which voters and the council approved in 2023–2024. Speakers included tenant advocates who said the ordinance provides “peace” and protection for renters, and landlords and property owners who warned the rules discourage investment and said they plan to sell or stop building if limits remain.

Luis Chavez Juarez, speaking for Building Healthy Communities, asked the council to “protect it, preserve it how it is,” citing statistics the group presented about rent growth and renter incomes. “Salinas renters are most likely to live in overcrowded households,” he said, and the group urged defense of the local ordinance. Nydia Soto, another community organizer, told the council rent stabilization provides “peace, mental health” for families who have suffered evictions.

Opposing voices included a local broker and property owners. Mike Hanley, a longtime property manager in the Salinas Valley, urged the council to repeal the rental registry and rent stabilization ordinance, saying it would “create barriers” and could push owners to remove units from the market. Investor Tony Flores said the measures make investments “financially unsustainable” and that he planned to sell properties rather than proceed with new projects in the city.

Other speakers described personal hardship on both sides: owners said rule details, relocation‑assistance rules and registration fees create cash‑flow problems; renters described being displaced by rising rents and struggling to find affordable housing. Several speakers described using ADUs to provide lower‑cost housing or the difficulty of competing maintenance and utility costs.

Multiple council members acknowledged the contentious public comment and asked staff to return with options. Councilmember Jose (last name not specified in the meeting record) asked staff to bring the rental registration and rent‑stabilization ordinance back for council review, saying the measures are “highly restrictive” but urged alternatives that prevent displacement. Mayor Dennis Donahue and others asked for data and options that could include tenant protections that emphasize enforcement, tenant opportunity or community purchase programs, and ways to avoid discouraging new housing supply.

No formal policy change was made at Tuesday’s meeting. Instead, council directed staff to report back on potential modifications, budget implications and enforcement options and to return quickly with proposals for council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LIVE COVERAGE Salinas City Council Meeting of March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of residents, landlords and local groups urged the council either to preserve rent‑stabilization protections or to repeal/modify them; councilmembers asked staff for follow‑up analysis and possible modifications to the municipal rental measures.","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},6623612,"Salinas renews military‑equipment ordinance, authorizes limited purchases for public‑safety gear",727,14261000,14988000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1&start=14261&end=14988","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1/thumbnail_14261000.jpg","/articles/6623612/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-renews-militaryequipment-ordinance-authorizes-limited-purchases-for-publicsafety-gear","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623612-4a7c33079af3e574cd33f8c21398925a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193783&Signature=OuW~Q9OXKOLMpe4tPdlDz5CWJZSfCXfJBZFCsaxfNoBr9Wk676wUzYfCKwSu-RnVOvot8etGvxo4G8JOHrX4ajRPaECRdoV4D8~SVEp8fgMWaI7vpdGi5jSJuS-~4LyqBlITFxSKfv9DqCwq86b3GFuQojj2SygZsJCuyMBDpVleUBRzj8VHxoBZCaHRR-f5R2mZHN4WKO3cQfopEJWpDHRck3kGIuxazT812KOSuYZBAURG2n2UDoDRM29lTpiurSX-2hS-X1yXJblEu9iZpfpu~Mq3SLidefVtUUrKnIzQPQegQrbxRoaWcqkhYvIM3KZ0ykspEVEbfhVHS53ykw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council on Tuesday renewed its military‑equipment ordinance adopted under California Assembly Bill 481 and approved staff requests to purchase replacement and replenishment items for public‑safety equipment, including precision ammunition and less‑lethal projectiles.

Police Chief Carlos Acosta presented the department’s 2024 annual report on equipment covered by AB 481. The presentation listed categories used by the department — unmanned aerial systems (drones), remote ground robots, rescue/armored vehicles, mobile command vehicles, breaching tools, distraction devices, less‑lethal launchers and munitions — and provided counts of authorized uses and costs for 2024.

Chief Acosta said drone flights increased in 2024, listing 358 authorized drone uses and a reported annual cost of $2,875.46. He reported two deployments for remote ground robots and 21 authorized uses of tactical rescue vehicles for incidents or mutual‑aid responses. Distraction devices (flash‑bangs) were used 15 times in 2024, Chief Acosta said; staff reported zero complaints tied to the listed categories in 2024.

The chief told council the department would seek authorization to buy or replenish specific items if funding is available, including precision rifle ammunition, replacement 0.308 and 338 rounds, a limited supply of 40‑millimeter sponge projectiles and pepper‑ball rounds used for less‑lethal force options. The staff recommendation requested authorization to proceed with purchases not to exceed $66,056.91 for the items listed in the staff report.

Council asked about training and staffing. The department said SWAT and the Violent Special‑Tactics Force (VSTF) train regularly — SWAT has 26 officers and the VSTF has a smaller, six‑officer contingent — and that those units undergo monthly or quarterly training and receive additional certified‑instructor instruction as needed. Staff also described how some less‑lethal munitions have a shelf life and are used in training to avoid expiration.

Public commenters and several councilmembers emphasized the importance of de‑escalation and mental‑health response. A public speaker noted support for less‑lethal supplies that can reduce use of lethal force, and Chief Acosta said the department is expanding Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for officers.

After the presentation and questions, council voted unanimously to renew Ordinance No. 2657 and authorized the requested purchases up to the amount listed in the staff report. No council member voted against the renewal or the purchase authorization.","The council renewed Ordinance 2657 under AB 481 and approved up to $66,057 in equipment purchases and replenishment for drones, command vehicles, less‑lethal munitions and specialized ammunition.",{"_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},6623616,"Council accepts general‑plan annual progress report; staff outlines Vision Salinas update and schedule",407,12522000,12929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1&start=12522&end=12929","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1/thumbnail_12522000.jpg","/articles/6623616/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Council-accepts-generalplan-annual-progress-report-staff-outlines-Vision-Salinas-update-and-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623616-a4e7cc1184a403eb1e83816e8d128ce7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193784&Signature=EacLgqAK0E4nW6hE7v2Mt3SNfwOHyDDH0pIqD3IACGnHXDQV1IrZwXQF5-HyLB37NqelMhb4uxRQbCKJprr~NBlY038PLy9468Vry0BUkNIaHms-mNGZv~GNMk3R7zIaVL-QztzEE3gPlOzxOebuNSwNVkooVCisCuEh7a7WZWViIqI8eNOhbjeLXGtxW80Jk71Myx00nb2sGADLCO0QHgstXWgow2~OBktse2tsM2i8hQRU3zgrr9iKZMcgzbf7ngmm-EsggwKmoutapIMDZ2w1p57pT-N~r56J5nLXoz4GZOQosPCPwA3Kn5M5um1GbTbNh8~zcVrig13Q-PnqAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council on Tuesday adopted the city’s 2024 general‑plan annual progress report and heard a status update on Vision Salinas, the comprehensive general‑plan update that will guide growth, transportation and land‑use policy into the coming decades.

Grant Leonard, planning manager, summarized accomplishments for 2024 and described the next steps for the Vision Salinas update. Leonard highlighted recent transportation and public‑space investments — including new protected bicycle lanes on East Market Street, lighting and traffic‑calming work, completed park work at Cesar Chavez Park and ongoing construction at the Hebbron Family Center — and said the general‑plan update includes a circulation element and a climate‑action plan.

“Here are some of the marquee projects we're working on,” Leonard told the council, pointing to completed beautification, new walking paths and the Ensign Park restoration effort. He said staff has completed two administrative drafts and a legal review of the draft general plan and plans to release a public draft of the general plan and a draft Climate Action Plan in the spring, followed by an environmental impact report in the summer.

Leonard reviewed recent outreach: targeted workshops on land use and transportation, about 3,000 mailed notices for a land‑use month, online sessions at different times of day and an economic‑development working group. He said the public‑draft materials would be followed by additional community engagement and the multi‑step approval process through commissions and council hearings.

Councilmembers asked detailed follow‑ups: questions ranged from broadband and potential blanket permitting for fiber infrastructure, to how small business grant programs were being distributed and the status of the city’s Mills Act historic‑property pilot (staff said outreach on Mills Act enrollment would follow in June). Grant Leonard and other staff said citywide micro‑grant and façade‑improvement programs were being finalized and staff would return with details on program design and barriers identified during early implementation.

After questions, council voted unanimously to adopt the general‑plan annual progress report and authorize its submittal consistent with the housing report; staff said the Vision Salinas public draft and environmental review schedule would continue through the calendar year.","The council adopted the 2024 general‑plan annual progress report and received an update on the Vision Salinas comprehensive plan process, including outreach and next steps for a public draft and environmental review.",{"_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},6623621,"Salinas council adopts 2024 housing-element annual progress report, authorizes submittal to state",697,6323000,7020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1&start=6323&end=7020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769569-abff15aebae409c43321d5639c1857c1/thumbnail_6323000.jpg","/articles/6623621/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-council-adopts-2024-housing-element-annual-progress-report-authorizes-submittal-to-state","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623621-30f0d892acf01fd43cc33374f0258198/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193784&Signature=jmZDdei4VMDfbxzkPYl5lDG6fcmmM5mID7MbGKqz-0bgRMw9gPZw2s-JemYnqum7bBMx3olPFy-1Ed48rJ6t5VCL72xsO8Sl4ROAQaE~-LVst2C9S5t-2PV--nZ1cxDqS7PUb0gODhvrch2QOcOJvzZcLMwdhIAiWEKdQpvVRrbE7YL~nA7jM~PrRMI40ckv337aoN5bccwEeuru~~BujFyoKJ-B5C6TSL2gc4nPeynDXqDBObYKftNefIQsvMlFKoRC7Hhi0QSuXwRW89zTDE5uFr8LQtoDxKWN0btsd97iQqJqa8DNQ5PwBft2XvadFUWRLBA8WgruZ7pmRDExhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted the city’s 2024 housing-element annual progress report and authorized staff to submit the document to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.

The report, presented by Monica Flores of the city’s housing division, says Salinas authorized 221 housing units in 2024 — primarily accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — toward a sixth-cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) target of 6,674 units for the eight‑year cycle. The presentation also listed federal and state awards and pipeline projects meant to increase the city’s affordable housing stock.

“The city of Salinas goal is a total of 6,674 units,” Monica Flores told council during the presentation, noting the figure is a large increase from the prior RHNA cycle. Flores and colleagues said the 221 units authorized in 2024 represent about 3% of that goal and that more projects are in the pipeline to help close the gap.

The report lists recent and pending funding and projects the city is pursuing: $2.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $700,000 in HOME funds from the city’s 2024 HUD allocation; a $645,000 contribution from the city’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) toward acquisition of 98 Kip Drive to create 36 permanently affordable senior units; and $390,000 for predevelopment and construction of three ADUs through a local nonprofit’s Wesley Oaks property. The city is also collaborating with the County of Monterey and the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey on a planned acquisition of the former Fairview Avenue motel (1030 Fairview Ave) to create 45 permanent supportive housing units; Flores said the city would support that acquisition with approximately $2.5 million in PLHA and pro‑housing incentive funds.

Luis Rodriguez, a housing division analyst, summarized other results in the calendar year 2024: 11 land‑use applications filed with the city, 221 building permits issued and 115 certificates of occupancy finalized. Rodriguez also noted the city’s outreach and operations to help people experiencing homelessness, including the Salinas Outreach and Response Team (SORT), which the report said assisted 291 unique individuals and referred 36 to shelter in 2024.

Council members asked staff for clarifications about the point‑in‑time homeless count (staff answered it showed about 1,200 sheltered and unsheltered people within the city) and about how many proposed pipeline projects were eligible for recent state streamlining laws; staff said three of the projects in the reported pipeline were proceeding under streamlined statutes. Councilmembers also asked about local housing trust fund activity and funding sources; staff said the city had established a local housing trust fund (roughly one million dollars at the time of the meeting) and continues to pursue additional state and federal sources.

After about an hour of questions and public comment both supporting and criticizing recent local tenant‑protections measures, the council voted to adopt the resolution approving the annual report and to authorize its submittal to HCD and the governor’s office as required under Government Code section 65400(b). The roll call showed all members present voting in favor; no dissenting votes were recorded.

The city will file the annual progress report on or before the April 1 state deadline and continue work on the projects listed in the report, staff said.","Council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s 2024 housing element annual progress report and direct staff to submit it to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public comment draws sharp, split views on Salinas rent‑stabilization rules; council asks staff to return with options

Salinas renews military‑equipment ordinance, authorizes limited purchases for public‑safety gear

Council accepts general‑plan annual progress report; staff outlines Vision Salinas update and schedule

Salinas council adopts 2024 housing-element annual progress report, authorizes submittal to state