YOUNG VOICES |
Editor’s Note: This November, Salinas voters will elect council members in four districts and the next mayor. With five seats at stake, the council’s make up could change dramatically.
In an effort to keep Salinas voters informed, Young Voices correspondent Isaac Díaz González has sent the same questionnaire to all the Salinas city council and Mayoral candidates. Voices of Monterey Bay will be publishing the responses as the candidates respond.
By Isaac Díaz González
ALBERT LOMELÍ, TEACHER
VOICES: Salinas is younger than other cities in California, as its proportion of youth is higher by 8 percentage points. What projects can be offered so children and youth can thrive and feel they belong in the city?
Creating inclusive projects that support children and youth, especially those from low-income backgrounds, is essential for fostering a sense of belonging in our city.
Here are some project ideas geared to serve the youth of Salinas:
- After-school homework clubs: Offer free tutoring and homework help in public schools, community centers, like the new Hebbron space in the East Side, and libraries, focusing on students who commute and may lack support at home.
- Transportation assistance programs: Organize shuttle services to help students from low-income families access after-school programs, sports or cultural events.
- Affordable extracurricular activities: Develop low-cost or free programs in arts, sports, and music to ensure all children can participate, regardless of their financial situation.
- Community resource fairs: Host fairs that connect families to local resources such as food banks, clothing drives, healthcare services and educational support.
- Cultural exchange and awareness events: Organize events celebrating diverse cultures, allowing youth from various backgrounds to share their traditions and stories, fostering mutual understanding. This provides
- Financial literacy workshops: Provide workshops for both youth in transition (YIT) and parents on budgeting, saving, and financial planning to empower families with essential life skills.
- Art and expression programs: Create art projects or writing workshops focused on themes of identity and belonging, allowing youth to express their experiences and feelings creatively.
- Outdoor adventure programs: Offer free or subsidized outdoor activities (like hiking, camping, or team-building retreats) to help youth bond and develop teamwork skills.
- Family engagement nights: Host events that bring families together for games, discussions and activities, strengthening community ties and encouraging parental involvement.
- Safe spaces for open dialogue: Establish drop-in centers or workshops where youth can share their challenges and experiences in a supportive environment, focusing on mental health and well-being.
- Healthy meal programs: Provide free or low-cost meal programs after school, ensuring that all students have access to nutritious food, which can help improve focus and well-being.
- Skill development workshops: Offer workshops on essential life skills such as cooking, coding, or resume writing to help youth gain confidence and prepare for the future.
- Community clean-up and beautification projects: Engage youth in community service initiatives that involve beautifying public spaces, helping them take pride in their town while fostering a sense of responsibility.
- Digital inclusion programs: Ensure access to technology by providing free workshops on digital skills and offering devices to students from low-income families to support their education.
- Peer support groups: Facilitate peer-led support groups for youth facing similar challenges, providing a safe space for them to connect and share resources.
By implementing these projects, we can create a more inclusive environment where all children and youth feel valued and supported in our community.
VOICES: Is the city doing enough to build housing? What would be the solution to support people who don’t have stable housing?
I believe that the city is not doing enough to address our housing crisis. While there have been some initiatives aimed at increasing housing availability, like housing for teachers and school staff, we need a more comprehensive and proactive approach. First, we must prioritize the development of affordable housing options. This includes not only increasing the number of units — or building just single-family homes — but also ensuring that these homes are accessible to low- and middle-income families.
Second, we need to streamline the permitting process to make it easier for developers to build. This issue is not Salinas focused but statewide, however by reducing bureaucratic red tape, we can encourage more construction and quicker delivery of housing units; especially in the Boronda area.
VOICES: Business owners have been complaining about the permit process, arguing that it takes too long to open a business. The challenge has been pinpointed to a lack of employees. What can be done to recruit more city employees? What is your plan to recruit more people to work for the city?
Addressing our staffing challenges is crucial for the effective functioning of our city, and I believe we can take several strategic steps to improve recruitment.
First, we should enhance our compensation and benefits packages. Competitive salaries, health benefits, and retirement plans are essential in attracting talented individuals; especially young professionals graduating from CSUMB or other regional universities. Additionally, offering flexible work schedules can make city jobs more appealing, especially for those with families.
Second, we need to create targeted recruitment campaigns that showcase the unique benefits of working for the city. This includes highlighting career advancement opportunities, job stability, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Third, we should cater to families by providing family-friendly policies, such as childcare support and parental leave. This not only helps attract potential employees but also fosters a supportive work environment that values work-life balance.
Fourth, we can partner with local educational institutions to create internship and apprenticeship programs, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while exploring career paths within the city. This can help build a pipeline of future employees who are already invested in our community.
Lastly, promoting town events and community engagement can help create a positive image of our city as a vibrant place to live and work. When potential employees see a community that values connection and recreation, they are more likely to consider a career here. In summary, by enhancing our benefits, targeting recruitment efforts, supporting families, and building partnerships with local schools, we can attract more qualified individuals to work for our city.
VOICES: In which areas could the city work together with schools to improve services? How can they work together to improve student safety?
Collaboration between the city and schools is vital, especially on the East Side, where we have unique challenges and opportunities to improve services for our students. First, I propose implementing community schools that serve as hubs for education and support. These schools can provide not only academic resources but also health services, counseling and after-school programs, ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to thrive.
Next, we need to advocate for tech grants to enhance digital resources in our schools. By securing funding for technology, we can equip students with the necessary tools for learning, especially in an increasingly digital world. This investment will also help close the gap for low-income families who may not have access to technology at home.
To improve student safety, I believe we should increase support from local law enforcement. This includes not just more police presence before and after school, but also fostering positive relationships between officers and students. Programs like School Resource Officers can help create a safe environment while also acting as mentors for our youth. Middle schoolers love LEO stickers! Furthermore, we should establish regular communication between city officials, school administrators, and parents to discuss safety concerns and gather feedback on what’s working and what isn’t.
Engaging the community in these conversations will help us develop more effective safety measures. Lastly, we need to ensure that our low-income families receive the support they need, whether through food programs, transportation assistance, or access to extracurricular activities. By addressing these basic needs, we can help create a more stable environment for students to learn and grow.
VOICES: What is the most important contribution that the immigrant population makes to the city of Salinas in particular and the Salinas Valley in general?
The immigrant population plays a vital role in the economic and cultural landscape of Salinas and the Salinas Valley, particularly in agriculture and services. First and foremost, immigrants are the backbone of our agricultural industry. They bring essential skills and labor that are crucial for planting, harvesting, and processing the diverse crops that our region is known for. Their hard work not only sustains our local economy but also helps ensure that we can provide fresh produce to communities far beyond our borders, like to our US service members abroad.
In addition to agriculture, immigrants contribute significantly to the service, small business and private sector. They fill important roles in restaurants, retail, hospitality and management, enriching our local economy and enhancing the vibrancy of our community.
Their diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds also foster a rich cultural tapestry that makes Salinas a unique and welcoming place to live. Moreover, immigrants often start their own businesses, driving innovation and job creation in our community. This entrepreneurial spirit not only boosts our economy but also creates more opportunities for residents.
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