Public Safety, Affordable Housing & Economic Development

By Janet V. Barnes

Thanks to the passage of Measure V, the 1/2 cent sales tax initiative, the voters gave the community an opportunity to restore most services and reinstate programs. New and innovative ideas will revive the economic viability of the City and guide policy to promote a visionary approach to long term success. The new City Council elected in November will continue to incorporate the recommendations of the Measure V Community Advisory Committee and further analyze the needs of the community through goal setting session in December.

Libraries

Mayor Anna Caballero resuscitated Salinas libraries by raising over $700,000 to keep the libraries open from the time they were deemed to be closed until Measure V passed. Libraries were never closed but reduced in hours. However, today, hours have now been reinstated and the entire policy toward libraries is being expanded to be a more visionary approach in the near future. Libraries nationwide are being reinvented to reflect the changing times and incorporation of technology. Additionally, emphasis on a community based facility has been envisioned to include mobile units, refreshments, lounges, music rooms, and activities accessible to all citizens.

Public Safety

Having lobbied extensively in Washington, DC, Salinas was successful in acquiring over $3.5 million for the formation of the Monterey County/Salinas Gang Task Force. This program has since contributed to a 60% reduction of violent crime in Salinas the past year, but there is much more to be accomplished. Funding approvals have secured the ongoing financing of the Gang Task Force as a commitment by the Salinas City Council. Continued lobbying will add additional funding for expansion.

Ten police officers have been added to the Salinas Police force with funding for another ten officers soon to be allocated. Intervention and prevention services have been equally emphasized and incorporated into the overall vision of a safe community through partnerships. As revenues improve, the City Council has committed to invest more resources for the youth of our community to support a healthy, vibrant city.

Witnesses are coming forward to document crimes enabling the police department to arrest and prosecute those who have committed violent crimes in Salinas. Graffiti is once again being removed throughout the City and neighborhoods are experiencing increased pride and empowerment.

Firefighters have received new equipment and state-of-the-art vehicles to help address the safety needs of the community. A new fire station in Williams Ranch is just the beginning of facilities needed to fulfill the safety needs of the expanding population. Paramedics have been fully reinstated after voluntarily giving up their 7% paramedic pay until revenues were once again stabilized. Further equipment and personnel will be a necessity to provide adequate services to ensure a quick response to emergencies.

Economic Development

In order to fully realize the economic potential of Salinas, a three pronged approach must be addressed. First of all, without affordable housing, employers will not be interesting in bringing corporations to this area. This component is essential in order to entice companies to invest in the community. Secondly, the annexation, rezoning, expeditious permitting, and approval of projects must be user-friendly to encourage employers to willingly inquire and proceed with acquisition. Lastly, economic development must be a top priority for not only the City Council, but the community as a whole, inclusive of the Chamber of Commerce, non-profits, public and private investors. A focused strategic plan with all committed entities can propose plans to fulfill the vision of a strong, economically viable community.

The newly adopted Zoning Code Amendments will enable neighborhoods to be protected from the threat of oversized houses requiring a conditional use permit if neighbors are opposed to the proposed project. These amendments were approved after public hearings were held which expressed concerns about the visual integrity of their neighborhoods. Although previous lots-of-record were preempted and legally permitted, the new zoning code which addresses future additions, will be subject to the new policies.

Maintenance and Beautification

The decimation of the maintenance department due to revenue cuts caused severe challenges to maintaining parks, streets, sidewalks, trees, and public buildings. Now the public works department is realizing a reinstatement of their workforce and working diligently to make up for three years of reduced staffing. The City Council strongly believes in the necessity of a larger public works crew to provide public services expected and needed by the community. Measure V will continue to provide resources to support the implementation of the public works department goals and objectives.

Medians, gateways, sidewalks, tree replacement, and overall visual pride in the community will be strongly addressed to provide aesthetic enhancements and safety concerns.

Traffic

Community concerns for traffic issues has become a paramount consideration for the City Council. A traffic calming study will be completed by the end of 2006 to review possibilities and analyze citywide concerns. Resources to implement recommendations will need to be prioritized in order to become realized. More traffic officers must be hired in order to remind and prosecute the drivers who repeatedly break the law and endanger others.

Park and Recreation

Community facilities need to be renovated and expanded to increase programming and activities for all ages. Partnerships, like the Boys and Girls Club, will continue to contribute to a healthier community. Promoting and implementing literacy programs in public facilities will be imperative to produce a strong, educated workforce. Afterschool programs located in public schools must be expanded to include more schools and programs.

An Arts Commission should be appointed to highlight the talents and creative resources located in Salinas in all age brackets. Public art should be displayed and encouraged by students attending public and private schools. Music and dance experts should be marketed to promote tourism and civic pride.

Summary

The issues facing the citizens of Salinas are numerous and incredibly complex. With resources, partnerships, and leaders focused on the possibilities of making Salinas an "even greater city," our community will achieve the lofty visions optimistic and committed citizens have for Salinas. Together we can all make a difference by bringing Salinas into the forefront of a desired, sought-after, and respected visionary city.

Thank you for considering my contribution to this vision by reelecting me to the position of Salinas City Council, District #3.