The Salinas City Council voted Nov. 18 to approve a targeted public-safety plan for an East Alisal focus area that includes additional street lighting and nine 'blade' cameras aimed at reducing prostitution and human-trafficking activity.

Staff described results of a Sept. 16 community meeting at Sherwood Elementary where residents overwhelmingly supported more lighting and cameras but opposed parking-restriction options. Based on that feedback, the city's cross-departmental team and a contracted lighting needs assessment (Kimley-Horn) recommended focusing lights along Roosevelt and installing nine blade cameras to better monitor activity around La Paz Park.

Staff estimated the lighting work would cost about $620,000 and proposed using CDBG substantial-amendment funds (approved earlier in the meeting) for installation once HUD approves the amendment; camera hardware and installation were estimated at roughly $94,000 and would be funded from the Alisal vibrancy CIP line. Council approved the appropriation and direction to proceed with procurement.

Public safety officials described camera use and access. Commander Aaron Short said cameras would be integrated into the police department's Genetec system, retention would follow department standards, and only Salinas PD personnel would have access absent a legal request. Short said the cameras are a mix of retrospective evidence and limited real-time monitoring: the department cannot monitor 24/7 but will use cameras to detect peak activity periods and deploy covert surveillance and enforcement resources when needed.

Residents at the community meeting asked for signage alerting the public to cameras and for clarity on who may access footage; staff said signage would be installed and that footage would not be shared externally except where legally justified. The police chief noted prior statewide law changes limited certain enforcement tools (citing prosecutorial rules), increasing the importance of surveillance and coordinated enforcement to address the activity.

Council voted to approve procurement and installation and directed staff to configure signage and to continue working with the community. Councilmembers encouraged solar/power-resilient fixtures to avoid theft and ensure long-term reliability.

What's next: HUD must approve the CDBG substantial amendment before bidding the light-installation contract; staff estimated 60'90 days to issue an RFP after that approval, and the police department will develop operational procedures and community-facing transparency about camera use.