Salinas: Past, Present, Future

Part 2 of 2 discussion on affordable housing with Matt Huerta. Matt is a housing advocate/activist who currently works with Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP). He was a Planning Commissioner and was a key player in the City of Salinas' Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.We talk about what the City of Salinas has done well, what we are failing at, and what steps we should be taking to better address housing options for everyone.

What is affordable housing? Do I qualify? How can I get more information?Planning Manager CJ Valenzuela and Housing Services Supervisor Joel Alvarez talk about affordable housing in Salinas; what has been accomplished and what future affordable housing plans does the city have.We discuss affordable housing projects; Hacienda 1 through 4 and Moon Gate Plaza. We discuss the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance from 2005 and the updated 2017 version. Funding mechanisms for affordable housing, State of California density bonuses and the future growth area.Housing and Community Development Division:https://www.cityofsalinas.org/our-city-services/community-development/housing-and-community-developmentCJ Valenzuela and Joel Alvarez can also be reached at 831-758-7334 if you'd like to be placed on the notification list.

Christina Watson is the Principal Transportation Planner for TAMC (Transportation Agency of Monterey County). Today, we talked about the history of the railroad in Salinas and the future of rail in Salinas.Currently, Package 1 is in construction at Lincoln Ave and Market Street, Salinas. The cost was about $11.2 Million. Package 2 is a layover facility which will cost about $23 Million. This rail project will ultimately connect Salinas to Gilroy and subsequently to the Bay Area via Caltrain. This has been in planning for over 20 years and is projected to be completed in 2022. Check out the TAMC website for more information: https://www.tamcmonterey.org/programs/rail/monterey-county-rail-extension/monterey-county-rail-extension-phase-1-kick-start-project/

Today, I co-hosted with Claudia Melendez who is the Public Information Officer for the Alisal Union School District (AUSD). Claudia started a project called, Cultivated in Alisal, which documents and celebrates the history of the AUSD through featured articles that profile teachers, faculty, and students who attended the AUSD and returned to this community to serve it.We interviewed Luis Xago Juarez who is an actor, playwright, activist, and professor at Hartnell College. Xago talks a little about himself and his passion for the arts, history, and culture of our community. He also mentions his role in Building Healthy Communities, and creating Bactun 12.Please read the full article about Xago as well as others who are featured in Cultivated in Alisal here: https://www.alisal.org/domain/2198

An interview with the Bay Area Stringer aka Jason Camp. We talked about what a "Stringer" is and what it takes to be successful. We also discuss his other jobs and clients he works for. Jason offered a free "Ride Along" to anyone interested to see his journalism first hand. Contact him via IG to set it up!

Mayor Joe Gunter, City Manager Ray Corpuz, City Economic Development Manager Andy Myrick and I talk about the Salinas Plan. Why do we need it? What does it do for us?

Mayor Joe Gunter and I review some trials and tribulations of Salinas in 2019. We talk about China Town, homelessness, the Future Growth Area, the New El Gabilan Library, the new Salinas Police Station, the $25 million dollar Regional Soccer Field Complex, new Recreation Center, Parks and Park Maintenance, etc. etc.