[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6455279,"mediaKeyId","5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f","parentId",5850653,"title","Salinas to submit HUD CAPER summarizing $15M in federal activity for 2024–25","audioSeconds",453,"startMs",7166000,"endMs",7619000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f&start=7166&end=7619","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f/thumbnail_7166000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455279/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-to-submit-HUD-CAPER-summarizing-15M-in-federal-activity-for-202425","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455279-d515e34a01b697d100032aafe82ed869/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493107&Signature=cDp~q~cGPCsCxU4GFoIcV6nmJHvQxTJjDSD2DbQc5NQKS5KAMiLM3j4uruqA5dTR~BV3JXGKeiC6YfKV5tS7iLAIoY7czFMZCEoM9DdW6doP8TVytsaQiDyVxQ2qhwV-jjUWDhPniPLOSRxhg5odQLGNbOs2Z40KaiMkVJWiorei5ZpGfNB5O-0Uys6JPgvafylyiljXffr6Aw4V2CuG4CR3k3NPAypCdLvg-pKlEBvXCMpI1D0PqgrkghbpC6PCrq2XT0An-nKmsat2IRstMJ9LZMNw9Jpf7qjIRvmR15d3iIMTLS6~BUdWmpCM3o~9-zyH9oQu2ZnyCgHIU39l7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","thesalinaschannel","date","2025-09-29T19:57:40Z","article","The Salinas City Council approved the fiscal year 2024–25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) on Sept. 23, authorizing staff to submit the HUD report by the federal Sept. 28 deadline.

The CAPER summarizes HUD entitlement activity: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), ARPA‑funded Home ARP (HomARPe) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. Staff reported roughly $15 million was managed in the program year, with just under $4 million expended in 2024–25 on projects including public facilities upgrades, fair‑housing services, outreach, and rapid rehousing.

Key items called out in the report include completion of an early childhood development facility funded by CDBG, economic development support to local small businesses, and HomARPe allocations intended to sustain supportive services for permanent supportive housing sites. Staff told the council the CAPER is a monitoring and compliance document, not a discretionary action, and recommended submission to HUD to maintain entitlement eligibility.

Council action

The council voted to approve the CAPER and authorize submission to HUD by the Sept. 28 deadline. No additional city general fund costs were reported; activities are funded through federal allocations.

What's next

The CAPER will be posted for the required public comment period (already opened) and then submitted to HUD. Staff also plans follow‑up funding recommendations based on a separate NOFA process for HOME funds and continued work on homelessness response activities.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","09.23.25 Salinas City Council Meeting of September 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented and the council approved the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) summarizing how HUD formula grants and pandemic ARPA‑era funding were used during the 2024–25 fiscal year; the final report will be submitted to HUD by Sept. 28.","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},6455283,"Salinas council adopts sewer rate increase and approves 15% sewer-bill assistance program",1780,7080000,8860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f&start=7080&end=8860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f/thumbnail_7080000.jpg","/articles/6455283/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-council-adopts-sewer-rate-increase-and-approves-15-sewer-bill-assistance-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455283-28f4af1c516be592f65a33b0f91b26fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493107&Signature=kMmSKgvUWeMhRbaSRdG99iARU8rU9u0lY7-WCFge6f9PgALT09k0uLAK6CGnYqo1Y1PD2rSdOh~zexKPKnGDpJhgo3trX~NYFXBUC4T~4pmewQFcSfkv~cr4WytmDaJ7pMcSvbnhWg9kbWV591SJBzHTuqTBZegVaU9iJ~t~qTDoGCe4R9vG61zwim1RSwi~uiSF4cU~FJrbyejqm62tJX2VFnFacF7URpPNOkLzij7QsNeRMGzNlCI90HrBDXZ0FfU0LKlLxRWAlS9iH-~LQ75kXLeX3iS3jjYqXjQqf4e9KwEyyd4qlK~ji1kCeNXHT6yzz-0KOns3OgLfEjWzhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council on Sept. 23 approved a sanitary sewer rate schedule intended to shore up a strained sewer fund and to meet reserve and capital needs, and approved a new sewer bill assistance program targeted at low‑income customers.

Background and why the increase

City staff and consultants reported that the sewer fund has been underfunded for years and that the city’s bond rating outlook had recently been downgraded to a negative watch because the fund was in breach risk of its rate covenant. Staff said the adjustment is necessary to fund operations, maintenance, capital improvements, and to restore reserves; failing to act could increase borrowing costs and raise the risk of lenders calling bonds.

Public notices and protest count

Pursuant to Proposition 218 and AB 2257 notice requirements, staff mailed more than 34,500 public hearing notices and provided the 45‑day public notice. Property owners and rate payers were invited to protest. Staff reported that as of the hearing the city clerk had received 63 written protests, below the 50%+1 threshold needed to prevent adoption. The city’s rate consultant and Monterey One Water staff explained that commercial customers are billed by Monterey One Water according to their EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) and that some nonresidential accounts show a lower per‑account charge than a single residential EDU because of how the system measures equivalency.

Council vote — rates adopted

The council adopted the sanitary sewer rate schedule for the 2025–2030 period contingent on no majority protest. The recorded council vote when called for adoption was: Barajas — yes; Barrera — yes; de Arrigo — yes; Dela Rosa — yes; Salazar — yes; Sandoval — no; Mayor Donahue — yes. The motion passed (6–1).

Customer assistance program

In the same hearing staff presented a proposed residential sewer payment assistance program designed to reach the largest number of low‑income households within the city budget allocation. The council approved a program that provides a 15% annual credit on the city portion of a residential sewer bill for qualifying households. Eligibility is limited to customers who already participate in the CARE program (a utility low‑income program) or those who appear on a city‑provided assistance list; the city budgeted $150,000 for the pilot year. The council voted 7–0 to adopt the assistance program.

Council and staff next steps

Staff will implement the new rates effective Oct. 1 and will publish outreach materials explaining eligibility and the application process for the assistance program. The city manager and finance director said the city will continue to engage with bond rating agencies and Monterey One Water, and the council directed staff to return with options to study a usage‑ or flow‑based rate structure and to coordinate with partner agencies on billing and equity measures.

Ending perspective

Council members and speakers voiced sympathy for low‑income residents encountering higher utility costs; the assistance program aims to limit immediate hardship while the rate increase raises revenue to stabilize long‑term sewer infrastructure and credit standing.","Facing a downgraded sewer fund outlook, the council approved a rate adjustment and a new customer assistance program. The rate adoption survived a protest period; council also approved a limited assistance program for low‑income households tied to CARE eligibility.",{"_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},6455288,"Developer outlines plans for 100% affordable mixed‑use project on East Market Street under SB 423",549,2097000,2646000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f&start=2097&end=2646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f/thumbnail_2097000.jpg","/articles/6455288/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Developer-outlines-plans-for-100-affordable-mixeduse-project-on-East-Market-Street-under-SB-423","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455288-9ef8a2a4ade57ac7c0b3664043be62a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493107&Signature=FqCDCwHt4wTjiGiUjH21xDbAVrElMxsRBJSoa~j1OeSLqElAeyfZOeC15gHLivf-FTx64vxjwE10FmC1pCef4tvag-SYFZLR5zqAzyOmPLw-wy2Itl51o~D3py8hxqdcP9Iivgj4dWyQ0-bEAuwCuu2dPQP6FMjwaxAnDFYjVkRLL-RkZN9By0X2YXGpeFF-cUrJAaklW~KBUXd19q80roV5MYzNFgHpiZ1Jp-ruEb4BADocRUUHwfAZULGGrqwKYhvxNzG2Gg3E6gQGKn6vmj6hye1saoxphTafUcvTJGpAlavIoScxmr-XrS0f4lV2rY46dobua9Df-PvIk2RGPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas Planning Department and a developer screening a proposal under Senate Bill 423 on Sept. 23 presented details for a 75–85 unit, 100% affordable mixed‑use project at 467 and 479 East Market Street.

Tom Miles, planning staff, opened the informational item as a required public meeting under SB 423 and said the application from Envision 2 LLC proposes demolition of existing one‑story commercial structures and construction of a multi‑story building with residential units above and commercial use on the ground floor. No entitlement action was required at the meeting.

Developer presentation and site history

Sibley Simon, president of Envision 2 LLC (also identified as president of New Way Homes and principal at Workbench architecture), said the project has evolved over seven years of planning and redesign. Early site investigations discovered contaminated soils — including evidence of a historical underground gasoline tank leak — and the developer secured over $2 million in state grant funding for initial cleanup work; additional cleanup is planned in 2026 with oversight from the regional water board.

Simon said the concept is a six‑story building (five stories of wood framing over a commercial podium), focused on family‑sized units including three‑ and two‑bedroom apartments alongside one‑bedroom and studio units. The project would be 100% affordable across a range of lower‑income levels and would include outdoor space, resident amenities and parking, along with measures to encourage transit, shared vehicles and bike parking. He said the developer expects to pursue prevailing wage construction standards and local hire priorities.

Commercial space and community partnerships

A central part of the developer’s proposal is a ground‑floor commercial space intended to host a kitchen incubator in partnership with a community development corporation (the transcript names “El Paro CDC” and references a Watsonville model). Simon said the incubator would offer licensed kitchen access and small‑business training, with a specific emphasis on a women’s business center component.

Public outreach, timeline and funding

Simon described years of community outreach conducted during the pandemic and after, including meetings tied to the Alice L. vibrancy plan and mailed notices to neighbors within a half‑mile radius. The project team said a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was issued for development funds and that the project will still need to compete for tax‑credit financing and other gap funding. The developer said an optimistic “break ground” target would be 2027, subject to entitlements, financing and building permits.

Public comments and council questions

Speakers at the meeting expressed support for affordable housing and the kitchen incubator idea, asked whether childcare space could be included, and raised concerns about parking, traffic and impacts to neighboring businesses. Council members asked about tribal notification, prevailing wage and local hiring plans, and about how the SB 423 ministerial (administrative) process differs from other review routes.

Next steps and limits

Planning staff said SB 423 establishes a ministerial approval pathway when projects meet state criteria and do not deviate by more than 20% from the submitted preliminary project review; the city will process a formal development review and an environmental checklist. The developer will refine plans, complete additional cleanup approvals with the water board, and pursue competitive funding. No council action was required or taken at the Sept. 23 meeting.

","Envision 2 LLC presented a preliminary design for a 75–85 unit, 100% affordable mixed‑use building at 467–479 East Market Street, including soil cleanup funded by a state grant and a proposed commercial kitchen incubator; the council heard details and public comments but took no action.",{"_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},6455293,"Salinas council sends repeal of rent ordinances to November 2026 ballot after months of dispute",3116,4120000,7236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f&start=4120&end=7236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f/thumbnail_4120000.jpg","/articles/6455293/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-council-sends-repeal-of-rent-ordinances-to-November-2026-ballot-after-months-of-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455293-c6fda75270b23c71f40d8c86a012ad20/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493107&Signature=ghubt9UOiG9hDUBFHXff3VMddoN5E6Ws20t-s~6YCgDZQ63dkeoscCfkopRaK6wfFjRC8JQO0RINdU-nZzA5oUfnswIIJ760jjf0MMj9zDrzU1phN4h0nHbqZey~kjiuhHD2p6ixVgE2yNYEcaOCJUKN97FvGD16hdHUVccObZZN8Fk1rPGuZQRcxCPzytEAmlug3T6jSwU9OpL3euM22eNM-i0yLysTrmMcD0zwNz8ZX-oCETFqWNeqLdpBoV-J4g~RME4w~PLhBQMc-SLzFFEO00c-5r27o0iHZiSbJB-6J6xQozZ9b3FYA8EijUrwoagccmaDvGbRmZFwNh6XaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council voted 4–3 on Sept. 23 to submit an ordinance repealing recent rent-related protections to the Nov. 3, 2026 general municipal election, after weeks of public protests and a high-turnout petition drive.

The decision follows a months‑long public debate after opponents secured and certified a referendum petition that qualified to suspend the repeal ordinance. Council member [name listed in roll call] moved earlier to repeal the repeal ordinance outright; Council member Carmen Sandoval offered a substitute motion — which passed — to send the question to city voters on the November 2026 ballot.

Why it matters: The ordinances at issue — a rental registration program, rent stabilization caps, just-cause eviction protections and an anti‑harassment rule — were adopted earlier in a multi‑year process intended to limit displacement of renters. Opponents and supporters have sharply disagreed about the ordinances’ economic and legal impacts; the council’s vote hands the final decision to a full electorate rather than leaving the rules to council action.

Council action and immediate effect

City Clerk records show the referendum petition met the county’s signature threshold, which prompted the council’s September discussion of whether to repeal the ordinance or put the repeal before voters. The council’s substitute motion to place the repeal on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election passed by the following tally: Yes — Council members de Arrigo, Dela Rosa, Salazar and Sandoval (4). No — Council members Barajas, Barrera and Mayor Donahue (3).

Public reaction and principal arguments

Supporters of the ordinances — including tenant organizers and dozens of residents who spoke at the hearing — urged the council to retain the protections while the city collects more data. Andrea Diaz of Centrobinacional, speaking for community groups, said the ordinances were “rooted in data collection and community involvement” and urged the council to honor the referendum process.

Opponents — including local landlords and real‑estate professionals who also addressed the council — warned the rules would reduce investment, prompt property sales and decrease maintenance. Multiple speakers urged a public vote; others said the matter should be resolved by local negotiation.

Council members’ rationale

Council members who voted to refer the question cited the need for the broadest public legitimacy before making a permanent policy change on a contentious topic that affects thousands of households and multiple property owners. Those who voted no said they preferred the council to act directly and expressed concern about long‑term costs and market impacts.

What happens next

Because the council chose the November 2026 general election, the city will work with the county elections office on ballot placement and ballot language. The city clerk and city attorney will prepare the procedural steps required to place the question on the ballot, and staff indicated they will continue to collect implementation data in the meantime.

Ending note

The council’s vote does not itself change the record of the referred ordinance; it sets the question for a future public decision. The decision opens a year of public campaigning and leaves the detailed implementation and data collection work in the hands of city staff and stakeholder groups until voters decide.

","After weeks of public protests and competing proposals, the Salinas City Council voted 4–3 to submit the repeal of its rent-related ordinances to the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, setting a long public campaign and pausing immediate local changes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455274,"Salinas approves $150,000 in community sponsorship awards, selects seven grantees",1835,15069000,16904000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f&start=15069&end=16904","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5850653-cef9c24021f40cb124afbae2ca8f444f/thumbnail_15069000.jpg","/articles/6455274/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-approves-150000-in-community-sponsorship-awards-selects-seven-grantees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455274-1350d1be3679c2b6c9119d5c75b44e2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493107&Signature=a8H3itTM11wjcZTHugiw30ps1E~B5RlWVdpftHFOaA2JWn7YDmlKLG48QkzzQ1-UdUA2X583X-IA099UT~oUUiBWFFo6oalWk9g1E2PTpHqnXpll5u2CG6UfJezTs8Gm4JjB~-Qg04qxLMrcDYLt2kdbtw3Gb4Vr~YibyKc1k~epkx7G1gCYU5Gypij4KdvuE2ju0TIu1UlWyiGXY7TFeka~ydZ96D6ymW-r7XBtff480rr8wU-eI8YfxAPmOIO3SJm7wDOwjnK6qwGTvDxK8qpbOMQhp5SvE0Y55geruN1TCSONn~srlumnee0remvi122VGx0Fja-KpnryDDu9pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council on Sept. 23 approved awards from a $150,000 community‑sponsorship budget for fiscal year 2025–26, awarding grants to seven applicants selected from 37 applications.

Process and criteria

City staff said the community sponsorship policy allows awards up to $50,000, with applications scored on community impact, cultural/educational/athletic/entertainment value and demonstrated need. The selection team reviewed and ranked applications and recommended a slate that spread funding to several groups rather than giving a few large awards.

Recommended awards and council action

Staff presented the top seven recommended recipients with funding amounts and scores; council approved the recommendations. Council member Barajas disclosed a board relationship with Salinas Valley Pride and recused himself from the separate council vote on that organization; the council approved the remainder of the slate and then approved a separate sponsorship award to Salinas Valley Pride with Barajas recused.

Public notes and next steps

Staff notified unsuccessful applicants of other grant opportunities, including a prevention and wellness grant with an upcoming deadline. Staff also said that applications and scoring detail would be provided to council and can be published with the final awards for transparency.

","The council approved a slate of community sponsorship awards totaling allocations from the FY 2025–26 budget; staff ranked 37 applications and recommended seven recipients. One council member recused for a vote involving Salinas Valley Pride.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Salinas to submit HUD CAPER summarizing $15M in federal activity for 2024–25

Salinas council adopts sewer rate increase and approves 15% sewer-bill assistance program

Developer outlines plans for 100% affordable mixed‑use project on East Market Street under SB 423

Salinas council sends repeal of rent ordinances to November 2026 ballot after months of dispute

Salinas approves $150,000 in community sponsorship awards, selects seven grantees