• Press Release

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• Press Release (download entire article)

• Press Release (download entire article)

• Press Release (download entire article)

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To better serve Salinas’ Spanish-speaking residents, the Spanish version of the website, located at http://espanol.ci.salinas.ca.us, is dynamically kept in sync with its English counterpart by utilizing the services of MotionPoint Corporation.

MotionPoint is the leader in website translation and globalization. MotionPoint's proprietary technology makes it easy to add any language to any website. The company serves U.S. based and international clients from its headquarters in South Florida. For more information about MotionPoint, please visit www.MotionPoint.com.

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The brochure includes guidelines for parents and kids regarding safe use of the Internet; an Internet Safety Pledge for kids to take with their parents; information about how to use free Internet resources at the Salinas Public Libraries; and a list of Internet sites to visit for additional information, including the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use site at www.csriu.org.

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Mayor Donohue stated “The expanded facility is a much anticipated improvement that will help address some of the community’s unmet library service needs.”

Get to know the characters Greg, Rowley, Roderick and Manny as Greg hilariously records his life in middle school.

All events are FREE and will be held:
July 29th, 7:00 p.m.
El Gabilan Library, 1400 N. Main Street, (831) 758-7302

July 31st, 5:00 p.m.
John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Avenue, (831) 758-7311

August 6th, 1:00 p.m.
Cesar Chavez Library, 615 Williams Road, (831) 758-7345

The basic idea was for kids who were members of the Boys and Girls Club, and already going to their service location, to have enhanced access to both the books the Club had available, as well as all the materials the Salinas Public Library had available. Two complimentary approaches have now been implemented to get that result.

First, the Library began scheduling their Bookmobile to visit the Boys and Girls Club site every Thursday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The kids can sign up for a library card and check titles out from the Bookmobile.

Second, by using computers at the Boys and Girls Club facility, the kids can access the Library’s catalog via the Internet. They can see what titles the libraries own and, if they want, place a reserve on them and the Bookmobile will deliver them the following Thursday. The kids may return Library materials to the Club site and the Bookmobile will pick them up every Thursday.

The Library has also begun to enter the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) title holdings into the catalog with a special BGC icon, so Club members will also be able to find what’s available to them at the Club’s facility. The Club has fiction and nonfiction titles for children and teens.

Mark Wilson, the Club’s Education Coordinator, has expressed great enthusiasm for the project, and lauds the bookmobile stop at the Club. He states, ”It is already very popular!”. Elizabeth Martinez, Library Director, shares his enthusiasm, “Part of the Library’s mission is to get materials into the hands of more children. This is a creative way of bringing the titles to a place where the kids are already present. They don’t have to have an adult bring them to a library site. It’s a win-win.”

For additional information on the partnership, contact Tom Doughty, 758-7291.

The Salinas City Council is set to review the draft budget at their meeting on June 30th at 4:00 p.m. in the Rotunda at City Hall, 200 Lincoln Avenue. Public comments on the budget will be heard during this meeting.

As part of the planned service reductions to balance the 09/10 Measure V portion of the budget, Salinas Public Library hours will be reduced from the current 62 hours per week to 50 per week for each library location effective Monday, June 29th. A seven-day schedule will be retained. Please call for more information.

Participants keep a reading log and when they achieve identified reading goals, they win prizes. Prizes include books, Kids’ Meals at Applebee’s and pizzas.

By continuing to read over the summer, children are known to develop or retain reading skills that better prepare them to return to school after the summer break.

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The presentation will take place on Saturday, June 20^th, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 pm at John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas. For information, call (831) 758-7311.

For nearly 140 years, The Salinas Californian has chronicled the history of the Salinas Valley, the nation and the world, from the first edition of the Salinas City Index in 1871. Newspapers were combined as a result of newsprint shortages during World War II. Gannett purchased Salinas Newspapers Inc. and The Salinas Californian from Speidel Newspapers in 1977.

The Salinas Public Library makes historic issues of this and other local newspapers available free to the public on microfilm at John Steinbeck Library. Click here for a list of the newspapers available at the Library.

This morning seminar will have presentations and provide information concerning operating a small/medium/large business from a variety of sources, including: California Franchise Tax Board, California Board of Equalization, California Employment Development Department, Small Business Administration, City of Salinas Economic Development Department, Salinas Valley Enterprise Zone, Salinas United Business Association and the Salinas Valley Chamber of commerce.

Mayor Donohue states "I look forward to members of various California State Departments visiting the area and presentation important and timely information to our business community"

• Flyer (pdf, 198 kb)

On Tuesday night, June 16, the Salinas City Council will consider supporting the establishment of a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) within Monterey County.

TEAs consist of Census Tracts where 51% or more of its residents are low or moderate income in comparison to the rest of the County.  The TEA works with the Salinas Valley Enterprise Zone, which received its final designation on January 30, 2009.

Businesses within the Enterprise Zone can claim hiring tax credits for a portion of the salaries paid to qualified employees hired on or after January 30, 2009 on their California tax returns, up to 50% in the first year.  An employee needs to meet one of eighteen criteria in order for a business to qualify for the hiring tax credit; residency within a TEA automatically qualifies an employee.

The TEA includes portions of North Monterey County, including the communities of Pajaro, Las Lomas, Castroville, and Boronda, portions of the City of Salinas, and all of South Monterey County, including the Cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, and King City, and the communities of Chualar, San Lucas, San Ardo, Jolon, Lockwood, Bradley, Big Sur, and Gorda.   The boundaries of the TEA will also need to be approved by the Cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, and King City, the County of the Monterey, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development prior to its final designation.

Other benefits that businesses in the Enterprise Zone receive include tax credits for sales and use taxes paid of qualifying equipment, accelerated depreciation of equipment, 15-year net operating loss carryovers, and preference on State contracts.  Lending institutions that lend money to businesses in the Enterprise Zone also can deduct the interest they earn on the loans.

“This represents an important step in realizing the full potential of what the Salinas Valley Enterprise Zone offers,” said Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue.  “This provides employers with a greater degree of flexibility in claiming hiring credits while providing incentives to hire residents of underprivileged neighborhoods.”

For more information about the Salinas Valley Enterprise Zone or the Targeted Employment Area, please contact Andrew Myrick, Enterprise Zone Manager, at (831) 758-7362 or at andym@ci.salinas.ca.us.

SUBJECT:  DIGITAL TV TRANSITION

The Digital TV Transition from analog to all – digital format takes place on Thursday, June 11 at midnight.  If residents do not have cable, satellite or other pay service, they will not receive transmission.  A TV converter box will then be required. 

A federal coupon program is available for a converter box(es), up to two.  Residents needing assistance in making the transition should call 1-888CALLFCC or visit online at www.DTV2009.gov  An FCC service center is also available at the Northridge Mall.  Residents who already have a converter box and need assistance in hooking it up can contact Recreation – Park at 758-7217.   

Mayor Dennis Donohue stated “residents who have questions on this process or are experiencing difficulties, should feel free to contact the City and explore their options to address this significant TV change.”  

 For more information, please call 758-7217.

Representatives from the Salinas Social Security Administration will be holding a free public workshop at the John Steinbeck Public Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., June 17th, to present information on the programs, benefits and services provided by them.

Anyone interested in learning about how to apply for Social Security benefits online, or obtain an estimate of future benefits, is encouraged to attend. Specific topics to be covered include: Retirement, Medicare, Disability, and Survivors benefits.

• Meet the New Police Chief
• Discuss Public Safety Measures
• Share your concerns
• Get involved and be part of the solution!

Alvarez Titans
Salinas Police Activities League
Salinas Girls Fast Pitch
Alisal Youth Cheer Football League
Salinas Valley Aquatics
Salinas Pop Warner
Salinas Salad Bowl Bobby Sox
Salinas National Little League
El Camino Real Futbol League
Monterey County Cadet Program
Monterey County Police Activities League
Salinas Valley Pony Baseball, Inc.
Diamonds Volleyball Club
Salinas Valley Lulac Youth
Alisal Center for the Fine Arts
Peacock Acres

Dare to Dream Fund
American Cancer Relay For Life
Salinas Jaycees Foundation
Ranch Cielo Youth Campus
Sunrise House
Casa Guanajuato Del Condado De Monterey
Monterey County Search and Rescue Dogs
Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies Benefit Association

Apostolic Community Life Center
Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus
San Pablo Church
Victory Outreach
Buddhist Temple of Salinas
Islamic Community of Salinas
Salinas Christian Fellowship
Knights of Columbus Alisal Rotary Club
Salinas Upper Room Church

Mayor Donohue is "gratified by the great response from non-profit organizations that are interested in this fund-raising opportunity. The money raised will go far in providing needed programs for Salinas residents, particularly the countless young people who are participating in positive and constructive activities."

All dogs over the age of 4 months are required to have a current rabies vaccination and be licensed within the City limits. Dog licenses help the department track and control the spread of rabies as well as reunite lost pets with their owners. In addition, revenue from dog licenses help the department provide shelter to lost and stray animals, giving them a chance to return to their owners or find new homes through the department’s adoption program.

The license fees for dogs that are spayed or neutered (altered) are $10 for one year, $15 for two years, $20 for three years and $9 for an altered dog owned by a senior citizen. Licenses for dogs not spayed or neutered (unaltered) are $30 for one year, $50 for two years and $70 for three years. Owners must bring rabies vaccination records, spay/neuter records if applicable and if applying for a senior discount, must furnish proof of owner’s age. Typically if you have not licensed within 30 days of acquiring a dog, its 4-month birthday or the license expired over 30 days ago, you are subject to a $15 late fee per dog. This fee will be waived for the month of June for those that voluntarily license. This program does not waive fees for previously issued citations or penalties or those receiving new citations.

Starting July 1, 2009, late fees and license fees are set to increase and late fines will be collected.

Dog licenses can be obtained at Salinas Animal Services at 144 Hitchcock Road, Salinas,  Tuesday - Saturday from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or at City Hall Finance Department, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please call (831) 758-7285 for more information.

The Salinas fireworks ordinance allows the use of state-approved fireworks inside the City limits for the same period and increases fines for dangerous fireworks violations. Fireworks are still not allowed in the County.

Once chosen by lottery, the selected organizations will have to complete additional work, such as finding and obtaining property owner approval for potential booth locations, attending safety training for operating a fireworks booth, and obtaining state fire marshal and local permits.

Mayor Donohue stated "We want a win-win solution to how fireworks are sold and used in Salinas. A win, where public safety is comfortable and a win for our non-profits. This is an opportunity to educate the community on the dangers of illegal fireworks versus the use of 'safe and sane' fireworks."

Protecting Your Children From Gang Involvement
May 30^th, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., 758-7311
Are you interested in finding out why youth join gangs? What are our local gang trends? What can you do as a parent? Please join us to hear 2nd Chance Family and Youth Services staff share their information and expertise. FREE.

Protecting Your Children From Gang Involvement
May 31^st 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
El Gabilan Library, 1400 N. Main St., 758-7302
Are you interested in finding out why youth join gangs? What are our local gang trends? What can you do as a parent? Please join us to hear 2nd Chance Family and Youth Services staff share their information and expertise. Presented in Spanish. FREE.

The Struggle in the Fields: Community Stories
May 31^st, 1:30 p.m.
Cesar Chavez Library, 615 Williams Rd., 758-7346
Hear personal stories of the unionization struggles in Salinas from 1960-1985 from those who lived it! Farmworkers, growers and those involved in the farmworkers movement and the UFW will be on hand to describe those times that were so significant in shaping the Salinas of today. Dolores Huerta will be a special guest speaker. Spanish translation available. FREE.

Salinas Stories at the Salinas Public Library explores local residents’ experiences during important events in the history of Salinas: What was it like? Salinas Stories is a collaboration of the Salinas Public Library and the National Steinbeck Center. more »

On May 19, 2009, just sixteen months later, the Library will be able to check that assignment off their to-do list.  Washington Middle School, with a population of 1,014 students, will be the last of Salinas K-12 public schools to receive library cards at two assemblies on May 19.  This will complete the Library’s distribution of cards to the 32,468 students in all the public schools in the Alisal Union School District, Salinas City Elementary School District, Santa Rita Union School District and the Salinas Union High School District.

Each school district designed their own card with colors and logos (see attached example), and library staff distributed the cards through school assemblies or individual class visits.  Students are using their cards at the three Salinas public libraries to:

check out books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, exam study guides, and graphic novels
use computers in the Digital Arts Lab to create digital images, graphic designs & music
access the Internet and databases that the Library subscribes to for class assignments, summer job searches, creative writing and fact finding
older students also come to the libraries because they are comfortable, free, community places where they can meet up with friends and enjoy hanging out

• check out books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, exam study guides, and graphic novel
• use computers in the Digital Arts Lab to create digital images, graphic designs & music
• access the Internet and databases that the Library subscribes to for class assignments, summer job searches, creative writing and fact finding
• older students also come to the libraries because they are comfortable, free, community places where they can meet up with friends and enjoy hanging out

Walkout is the stirring true story of the Chicano students of East LA, who in 1968 staged several dramatic walkouts in their high schools to protest academic prejudice and dire school conditions. Aided by a popular and progressive young teacher, Sal Castro, Paula Crisostomo and a group of young Chicano activists battle parents, teachers, bureaucrats, the police and public opinion to make their point. Along the way, the students learn profound lessons about embracing their own identity and standing up for what they believe in. Set in 1968, a tumultuous year that shook America to its foundation, Walkout is a vivid reminder that people can change the world.

Sal Castro will be a special guest at the film showing. He’ll be talking about his personal experiences as the young teacher who supported the student walkouts.

Chief Raddatz has been called upon to command and serve as coordinator in some very high profile fires in San Diego County, such as the Cedar Fire in 2003 and the San Diego wildfires in 2007.  In addition to being a hands-on emergency services professional, Raddatz was recently selected by San Diego League of Cities City Managers to assist in the development of a Fire Chief Certification curriculum for San Diego’s Regional Training Center. 

City Manager Artie Fields stated that he is “looking forward to working with the new Fire Chief and utilizing his extensive experience to benefit the Salinas Fire Department.”  Mayor Donohue has stated that with all of the issues facing public safety in Salinas he is “glad to see a Chief with his experience and knowledge working for the Salinas Fire Department and imagines some great things to come to the Department.”

Chief Raddatz has a bachelor’s degree in business and management from the University of Phoenix in San Diego, California and an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Palomar College in San Marcos, California. 

Chief Raddatz has been awarded two medals of Valor, one from the City of Lakeside and the second from the City of Coronado.

Chief Raddatz is married for ten years to his wife Stephanie Hammes, a school teacher. The starting salary will be $204,680 with a reduction amount of 10% as part of the City concession program.  Chief Raddatz is scheduled to begin his first day on the job Monday, May 4, 2009.

While continuing to write in the years following, Blake embarked upon a long period of public service which was acknowledged with many more awards, among them the Eleanor Roosevelt award for work with minorities, the Animal Protection Institute’s Humanitarian of the year, the U.S. Air Force’s Americanism Award and the American Library Association’s Library Hero Award.

Chief Fetherolf has a Masters degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from Southern Utah University. Chief Fetherolf has completed the FBI National Academy, the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute, and POST Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Management certifications. Professional associations include California Public Safety Leadership/Ethics Program, Nevada Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association where he served as President and board member, Utah Chiefs of Police Association where he served as President and board member, a charter member of International Police Futurists Association, served as adjunct faculty and the professional audit team with the International Association Chiefs of Police. Chief Fetherolf has authored professional journal articles for The Police Chief magazine.

Chief Fetherolf has received honors and awards from the U.S. Navy as Outstanding Community Support Award (1993), Gold medal at the Police Olympics in Karate (1983), Bronze medalist in the Police Olympics for Pistal Marksmanship (1983), the Parley Daley Distinguish Citizen Award (1977) and Officer of the Year Award: West Valley Division - LAPD (1971).

Chief Fetherolf and his wife Christine have been married for twenty years. The starting salary will be $209,580 with a reduction amount of 10% as part of the City concession program. Chief Fetherolf is scheduled to begin his first day on the job Monday, April 6, 2009.  Mayor Donohue stated that he is “looking forward to Chief Fetherolf’s start in Salinas and believes that he will be a good fit for our organization”.

Enjoy southwest foods and Native music as you listen to Michael Blake speak about his books, his work with wolves and wild horses, and other current projects.

It was actor Kevin Costner who, in early 1986, encouraged Blake to turn an idea for a story about Native American Indians into a novel. Dances With Wolves, after much rejection, was published in paperback in 1988. In late 1989, the film written by Blake and based on his novel, was released to worldwide acclaim.  In 1990 the writer won every major award for this effort, including the Oscar.

While continuing to write in the years following, Blake embarked upon a long period of public service which was acknowledged with many more awards, among them the Eleanor Roosevelt award for work with minorities, the Animal Protection Institute’s Humanitarian of the year, the U.S. Air Force’s Americanism Award and the American Library Association’s Library Hero Award.

This event is a fundraiser for the Salinas Public Library Centennial Fund. A donation of $50.00/person is requested. For reservations, call Ines at 758-7458 by April 16, 2009. Seating is limited.

“At our libraries, people of all backgrounds come together for community meetings, and programs, to do research, to get help finding a job or to find homework help, to connect to information via the Internet, and to use the Digital Arts Lab to create music and videos. The library is the place each of us can connect to our ideas, our imagination, and one another,” stated Elizabeth Martinez, Library Director. For more information, call Jan Neal at 758-7454.

The Salinas Public Library is celebrating National Library Week with these special programs:

April 14
Bracero History Exhibit opens at the El Gabilan Library, 1400 N. Main, Salinas. Memorabilia of the Bracero Program, through which over 4 million Mexican farm workers traveled north to work the fields of the U.S. from 1942-1964. Exhibit runs through May 30th. Admission is free.

April 14
The Mexican American Civil Rights Movement Exhibit opens at the Cesar Chavez Library, 615 Williams Rd., Salinas.One of the least-studied social movements of the 60s, the Mexican American movement sought farm workers’ rights, enhanced education, and voting and political rights.Exhibit runs through May 31st. Admission is free.

April 15, 3:00 p.m.
Happy Birthday to Snappy children’s program at the El Gabilan Library, 1400 N. Main, Salinas. Our favorite leopard tortoise, Snappy, will be on hand to enjoy his 1st birthday celebration. Free.

April 17, 3:00 p.m.
Happy Birthday to Snappy children’s program at the Cesar Chavez Library, 615 Williams Rd., Salinas. Our favorite leopard tortoise, Snappy, will be on hand to enjoy his 1st birthday celebration. Free.

April 18, 3:00 p.m.
Happy Birthday to Snappy children’s program at the John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Our favorite leopard tortoise, Snappy, will be on hand to enjoy his 1st birthday celebration. He’ll be joined by two California Desert tortoises. Free.

April 18, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dinner in the Stacks with Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves. Enjoy southwest foods and Native music as you listen to Michael Blake speak about his books, his work with wolves and wild horses, and other current projects. This event is a fundraiser for the Library Centennial Fund. John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. $50.00/person. For reservations, call Ines at 758-7458 by April 16, 2009. Seating is limited.

Mr. Murillo, also a chess instructor from ACFA (Alisal Center for the Fine Arts), has taught chess classes and strategy to inmates from Monterey County Rehabilitation Center, to the youth in Salinas Recreation Centers and to hundreds of students from the Alisal Union School District.

Any person interested in learning how to play chess or advance their skills can participate in this program on a first come first serve basis. Past participation in chess learning programs has enhanced such qualities as patience, foresight, logic, planning, adaptability, intuition and more. Participation can also help promote higher education and academic achievement beyond the high school level.

Alberto Murillo, director of ACFA Chess, said, "Chess is the Noah’s arc of today. It can save many youngsters that otherwise would fall prey to gang violence, crime, drugs and teenage pregnancy...bad moves can get you checkmated on the chess board similar to getting killed on the streets..."

On Wednesday, March 18th 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Library the first 60 people that sign up for the chess lessons will be provided with free chess games or souvenirs!

On December 18, 2008, Councilmember Tony Barrera requested that the City’s Library Commission dedicate a room at the Cesar Chavez Library in honor of long-term Library Commissioner Sally Gutierrez. The Commission passed a motion on the same date supporting the request. The City Council passed a Resolution approving the action on January 27, 2009.

Ms. Gutierrez first began serving on the Library Commission on February 19, 1969. In 1977, she resigned to focus on her family. She was appointed to the Commission again on December 12, 1995 and is still serving. Her service to the community in the capacity of Library Commissioner totals more than twenty-one years.

During those years, Ms. Gutierrez advocated for building a library in east Salinas (now the Cesar Chavez Library), stood strongly against censorship of items contained in the Library’s collections, was a staunch advocate for developing Spanish language collections, and was key in seeing that Spanish language children’s programs were initiated at the public libraries. She has been a Commissioner who was always concerned with how the Library could better serve children in ways that stressed learning and reading. She believed so strongly in the importance of library services to children in the community, and the library’s role in getting children’s learning off to a good start, that she also served as a volunteer.

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2009,
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Location: Cesar Chavez Library, 615 Williams Rd

Monday, March 9th
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
MySpace Photos – Learn the HTML basics for displaying images on your MySpace profile.
Digital Arts Lab, John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas

Tuesday, March 10th
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
MySpace Photos – Learn the HTML basics for displaying images on your MySpace profile.
Cesar Chavez Library, 615 Williams Rd., Salinas

Wednesday, March 11th
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dance Dance Revolution – Drop in and test your dancing skills using the Nintendo Wii gaming system.
Young Adult Lounge, John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas

Thursday, March 12th
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cool Tech Careers Video – Continuous showing of video about exciting careers in technology.
Young Adult Lounge, John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas

Friday, March 13th
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Rock Band Open Jam Debut – Join the band and rock out on the Xbox.
Young Adult Lounge, John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas

It has quickly become one of the most important pieces of equipment any fire department can have, and now Salinas firefighters at Station 4 in the Alisal area will receive one of the most modern, high-tech versions of it.

Barlocker Insurance a member of the Leavitt Group and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company are teaming up to award a $7,000 grant to the Salinas Fire Department for a new thermal imaging camera, making it the department’s third such device.

The camera uses updated technology to enable the department’s firefighters to "see" through smoke and darkness to quickly locate anyone trapped in a building during a fire. The camera can also play a major role in reducing property damage. With one in hand, firefighters can often locate hot spots inside walls and extinguish them before they spread.

"It’s great anytime the City of Salinas receives equipment that will save lives, reduce property damage and enhance firefighter safety," said Mayor Dennis Donohue.

"Not only do thermal imaging cameras serve an important role in search and rescue operations, but they also function as a general firefighting tool," said Acting Fire Chief Jesse Piñon. "And thanks to this grant, we are able to assign a camera to Station 4, where it will directly benefit Salinas residents."

"We can’t think of a better way to support the community," said Jack Starke with Barlocker Insurance a member of the Leavitt Group. "We’re proud to be able to help in such a meaningful way, knowing our community will benefit from such an important piece of equipment."

Chief Pinon, Salinas firefighters, executives from Leavitt and Fireman’s Fund will come together for a formal recognition event where the camera will be presented and a live demonstration will take place.

Date: Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Fire Station 3, 827 Abbott Place, Salinas, CA

The grant package is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to over 1,100 different departments totaling more than $21 million. Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman’s Fund products are able to direct these grants to support fire stations in their communities. Barlocker Insurance was instrumental in directing this specific one to Salinas.

About Leavitt Insurance Agency
Leavitt Insurance Agency is a member of The Leavitt Group, founded in 1952, which is one of the largest insurance brokerages in the United States. It is an organization of affiliated independent insurance agencies with over 115 locations across the country and approximately $1.5 billion in annualized premiums. Leavitt Group affiliates are able to provide effective, sophisticated and creative risk management and risk transfer solutions to all types of businesses. For more information, visit www.leavitt.com.

About Fireman’s Fund
Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products nationwide. It is rated 'AA-' by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services. Founded in 1863 with a mission to support firefighters, Fireman’s Fund continues this effort today through its national philanthropic work. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: AZ), one of the world’s largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

Practice for events will begin on Thursday with actual competition taking place on Friday and Saturday. Friday night the Landing Zone Restaurant at the Salinas Municipal Airport will serve a barbecue dinner for contestants. The event concludes Sunday night with an Awards Banquet at the Rodeo Grounds.

Mayor Dennis Donahue said, " the City of Salinas welcomes participants and is proud to have this event in our community."

As the employee concessions make up the majority of the recommended budget reductions, it is imperative that the City be successful at reaching full agreement with all of the employee bargaining groups. Following is what is needed from each of the bargaining groups: 1. Non-Safety Employee Groups - 10% pay reduction and deferral of two upcoming salary adjustments (4% due December 9, 2009 and 4% January 1, 2011). This represents a combined reduction of 18% ($4.7 million annually) from the current non-safety employment agreements that expire December 31, 2011. 2. Police Management & Police Officer Associations - 10% pay reductions and deferral of a 5% salary adjustment, due April 1, 2009. This is a reduction of 15% ($3.2 million annually) from the current police employment agreements that expire December 31, 2009. 3. Fire Supervisors & Firefighter Associations - 10% pay reductions. Fire employees do not have future salary adjustments in their current employment agreements. This is a reduction of 10% ($1.1 million annually) from the current fire employment agreements that expire June 30, 2009.

The majority of non-safety employee groups have agreed in concept to 10% pay reductions and deferral of future salary adjustments for two-years including; the City Manager, City Attorney, Department Directors, Association of Management Personnel of Salinas, Service Employees International Union-Crew Supervisors, Salinas Municipal Employees Association, Confidential Management and Confidential Non-management.

All other employee groups (Police Management Association, Salinas Police Officers Association, Fire Supervisors Association, International Association of Firefighters and Service Employees International Union-Blue Collar) have indicated a willingness to participate and discuss concessions; however, they have not presented any ideas to the City.

Mayor Donohue "applauds the approach of all City employees working together to help resolve this budget crisis. While ultimately a City Council decision, the outcome of reductions in City services is dependant on City employees."

Present at the Community Safety Town Hall will be Community Safety Alliance Director and police Commander Kelly McMillin and a panel of leaders of the city’s safety effort.

"All of us in Salinas are deeply concerned about the violence in our community," said Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue. "We want to make sure everyone has a chance to learn what is being done, what still needs to be done, and what each of us can do to help."

The Community Safety Town Hall will be held at the Sherwood Community Center, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with City leaders and resource agencies available for follow-up information after the Town Hall session ends. Admission will be free. The discussion will be moderated by Barry Brown of radio station KWAV-FM, whose parent company Buckley Broadcasting is donating organizational services. Buckley will broadcast the event live on station Jammin’ 97.9 FM.

Details
The forum is open press, including live broadcast or streaming.

Event: Community Safety Town Hall
Date: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
Location: Sherwood Hall at the Community Center, 940 North Main St, Salinas
Admission: Free

Beginning January 27, 2009, if you’re a resident of the City of Salinas, you’ll be able to do just that. On that date, the John Steinbeck Public Library will become an additional city site where residents may obtain or renew dog licenses. The library is located at 350 Lincoln Ave. and is open:

    * 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday
    * 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday
    * 12:00 pm - 6:00 p.m., Sunday

     Dog licensing services are also available at:
     Salinas Animal Services, 144 Hitchcock Rd.
     Phone: (831) 758-7285
     Hours: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday

     Salinas City Hall - Finance Department, 200 Lincoln Ave.
     Phone: (831) 758-7211
     Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

The City hopes to make dog licensing services easier and more convenient to access by providing the services at three locations. City residents will now be able to receive services morning, noon and night - seven days a week. These services are restricted to residents of the City of Salinas.

Salinas’ large Asian and Filipino populations faced ongoing challenges in the wake of California’s Asian exclusion laws. Early labor organizing efforts resulted in conflict, and Salinas’1936 Lettuce Strike made headlines throughout the state, stoking fears of a "Red Invasion of Salinas." Then, World War II drained Salinas of young men, while U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry were sent through the Salinas Assembly Center at the Rodeo Grounds to internment camps inland. In 1942, a shortage of agricultural workers led to the creation of the Bracero program. During these years, as John Steinbeck wrote his masterpieces and America contended with the fear of communism and questions of racial justice - from L.A.’s Zoot Suit riots in 1943 to the dramatic anti-segregation events in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955 - the seeds were sown for the civil rights movement and the world we know today.

To explore the important themes of this era, "Salinas Stories" will offer a range of programs from Community Conversations on topics such as The Great Depression and the Okie Migration in Salinas, to Salinas’ memories of World War II and the Japanese Internment, to Labor Struggles.

A series of Family Arts Workshops will build the skills and understandings necessary for families in difficult times, explore the importance of honoring our neighbors and our neighborhoods, and celebrate the value of work and the joys of working together.

The first of a series of History Methods Workshops will introduce the community to the numerous ways of exploring and recording the stories of our families and our communities.

Book Groups will explore a range of works that help the community to understand this era of our history, from the classics 1984 and Animal Farm, which illustrate American attitudes toward Stalin’s brand of totalitarian Communism, to Steinbeck’s In Dubious Battle, a controversial 1936 novel depicting the interior drama of California labor organizing by "The Party." Other Book Groups will explore classic works describing the hardships of Mexican and Filipino laborers from the 30s to the 50s and classic books examining the problem of racism in America.

A list of January events appears below. A full calendar of events for January through March will be released soon. These events are part of "Salinas Stories: Cultivating Knowledge, Life & Literature," a two-year program beginning in fall 2008, presented by the National Steinbeck Center and the Salinas Public Library. "Salinas Stories" is funded by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and will include the Centennial year of the Salinas Public Library founded in 1909, and celebrating its 100th birthday in September 2009. This series of events represents the second of four broad periods in Salinas’ history that "Salinas Stories" will explore over the coming year. Other periods will be "A City Emerges": 1960-1985 (April-June 2009); and "Rejuvenation & Rebirth": 1986-2009 (July-Sept 2009).

Week 1 Route - beginning week of January 5th
Tuesday
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CHISPA - Mountain View Townhomes, 1580 Falcon Dr.

Wednesday
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mi Pueblo Market, 950 Alisal St.

Thursday
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Firehouse Recreation Center, 1330 Alisal St.

Week 2 Route - Beginning Week of January 12th
Tuesday
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CHISPA - Roosevelt Townhomes, 522 Roosevelt St.

Wednesday
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Safeway, 1516 Constitution Blvd

Thursday
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sherwood Community Center, 940 N. Main St.
About the Salinas Public Library

The Salinas Public Library (SPL) serves the City of Salinas and surrounding region with a mission to contribute to a community in which people enjoy continuing opportunities to broaden their knowledge, heighten their imagination, expand their global awareness and enrich their cultural values. Services are provided through three library facilities as well as an online catalog and a variety of databases available on the website. Besides providing the traditional services, SPL also offers a Digital Arts Lab, Teen Lounge, Chicano Cultural Resource collection, free Internet access, wi-fi, multiple audio and video formats, Spanish language materials, and literacy programs. For more information, call (831)758-7311 or visit http://www.salinas.lib.ca.us.

Mayor Donohue assures constituents that he is fine, but "feeling a little sheepish.  However, I want everyone to know, the booth attacked me; I did not attack the booth. I may have to wear a baseball cap for a few days to cover the hair that was shaved.  But otherwise, it’s been a successful trip!"

Mayor Donohue and other delegates attended the Sister City Festival to promote economic, cultural and educational opportunities, including promoting agribusiness ties with Mexico and tourism to Salinas and Monterey County from cites around the world. Mayor Donohue will return from Guanajuato on Wednesday as scheduled.

Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue will welcome Common Sense California to Salinas and is very encouraged that resident participants will have a significant opportunity to express their opinions, particularly in light of how the ongoing budget crisis directly affects what services local government will be able to offer in the coming year(s).  Mayor Donohue added, "it is important that the community be given this excellent opportunity to have this discussion in advance of City Council budget hearings and decisions."

One example of how the grant will play a role is with the Recreation - Park Department.  The Department is looking at the opportunity to include a Recreation strategic plan within the community dialogue discussion so that service levels within recreation can be discussed. 

Mayor Donohue and Common Sense California Executive Director Peterson will discuss further details of the grant at the scheduled press conference on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. on the steps of City Hall.

Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue commented, “These HUD entitlement grants are an important tool that’s helped our community tackle some of its most important challenges including the provision of affordable housing and youth services in the City’s most vulnerable areas.” Each year, the City of Salinas receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This current fiscal year 2008-09, a total of $3.4 million funded 23 public service agencies, 4 City department programs, the City’s housing rehabilitation and accessibility program, 3 housing projects including CHISPA’s Wesley Oaks and Sherwood Village Senior Apartments, Interim’s Sunflower Gardens, and construction of the City municipal pool facility. For the coming fiscal year the amount of available funding is anticipated to be approximately $3.3 million. Commencing in FY 2009-10, the minimum allocation for public services will be $15,000 and will only be made for senior services, youth services and fair housing activities.

The Students have been asked to join in Building Our City of Peace by fasting and/or performing acts of kindness. Examples include reading to others, assisting family members, neighbors or the elderly, feeding the homeless, cleaning up debris, visiting someone who is alone, speaking kind words to everyone they come in contact with etc. The Youth Commission will provide the commitment cards to be completed by the students. These cards will be collected and presented to the Mayor and City Council.

"The Click It or Ticket campaign has shown that Californians have gotten the message that seat belts work," said Police Chief Daniel Ortega. 'But hundreds still are dying every year because they didn't buckle up. Our officers will not accept excuses or give warnings. It really is Click It or Ticket."

California has a primary seat belt law which requires that every passenger in the car, including the driver, is required to wear a seat belt at all times. If stopped and found to be in violation, law enforcement will issue citations without warning. Tickets for first seat belt violations range from $80 to $91 for adults and $330 to $401 for children under age 16, depending on the county.

"While we are very happy with actually surpassing 95 percent usage, that still means that more than a million people are in real danger in the event of a crash," said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). "It takes just two seconds to reduce your chances of dying in a crash by half."

Teens and nighttime car occupants lag behind others as far as buckling up is concerned. Officer will be concentrating even more on ensuring they are properly restrained. More than 280 law enforcement agencies statewide will be participating in this year's Click It or Ticket mobilization.

Funding for officer overtime to support California's Click It or Ticket campaign was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Also speaking will be Mr. Jose de Jesus Legaspi addressing the "LATINO RETAIL MARKET POTENTIAL" Mr. Legaspi spoke at the first Salinas Action Summit and received significant interest in his identification of the importance of this demographic segment as the fastest growing area of the US economy.

The final speaker at the Salinas Action Summit will be Dr. Barry D. Bruce - Professor of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, Adjunct Professor, University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Dr. Bruce will present a new approach to sustainable energy titled "PHOTOSYNTHETIC GAS & ELECTRIC NEW TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY" Dr. Bruce has developed a hypothesis and clinical evidence that, through the photosynthesis processing of spinach, it is possible to create a new, renewable and sustainable source of energy.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend this NO COST learning experience. Seating is limited so please contact 758.7408 to RSVP your attendance.

Salinas Action Summit
National Steinbeck Center
NOVEMBER 15, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Eight of the units will be sold to first time homebuyers, with six reserved for farmworker households. Depending upon the final mix of financing, additional units may be set aside for farmworkers. CHISPA is also planning to make one or two units available to a newly-developed Monterey County Health Department program that provides rental housing to families containing a member with psychiatric disabilities. All units will be certified by an independent HOME Energy Rater, and will utilize photovoltaic panels, water conserving fixtures, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, materials from renewable sources or with recycled content, low VOC paints and sealants, and formaldehyde-free composite wood, to name a few green features.

The local preference purchasing ordinance provides local suppliers the opportunity to meet the lowest bid prices of any non-local suppliers in order to help stimulate the local economy.  The goals of the buy local program include encouraging local institutions, businesses and consumers to join the City in spending locally.

The City’s existing pursuit of direct citizen engagement provides the foundation to begin a direct and open dialogue with citizens about service delivery methods and service levels.  The participants at the civic engagement meetings will have the opportunity to see and engage each other in open dialogue.  They will also have a chance to work collaboratively and to explore new and different ways that services can be delivered.

Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue welcomed the news that City administration staff was successful in putting together the grant application.  The mayor added, "the timing of this grant award could not have been better given the economic downturn. The grant will allow our community a chance to deliberately discuss critical service level issues at a very important time."

Mayor Donohue will discuss further details of the grant at the Mayor’s regularly scheduled press conference on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the City Hall Rotunda.

Citizens empowered with neighborhood crime information available 24/7/365.

The Salinas Police Department and CrimeReports.com  have announced a new On-line Crime Alerting and Mapping Service that provides easy to read crime report maps and automated alerts to the residents of Salinas.   The service, located at http://www.crimereports.com or directly from the Salinas Police Department Web site at http://www.salinaspd.com , provides neighborhood crime data in near real-time and is available now.

The CrimeReports service is free to the public and allows citizens to receive automatic daily, weekly or monthly email alerts if/when crimes occur near their home, office, local school, etc. Citizens can also view reported crime activity on an easy to use map for any location within Salinas Police Department boundaries. Crime incident data is updated nightly and includes:

* Incident type
* Date
* Location
* Distance from citizen's address
* Event identification/case  number
* Brief crime incident description

CrimeReports.com will prove particularly valuable to those in the community who want to stay informed about what is going on in their neighborhoods and empower citizens to work with the police department to address neighborhood crime issues.

Crime alerting and mapping is just the first step in empowering citizens with critical neighborhood crime information.  Later in 2008 the CrimeReports program and Salinas Police Department will introduce additional services to support community policing and neighborhood watch® programs.  Upcoming new features include:

* SMS alerting, allowing the SPD to send alerts to specific neighborhoods if specifically requested by the department.
* Neighborhood Watch tools, where residents of specific neighborhoods can contribute information;
* Video integration, allowing law enforcement to attach digital video to specific crimes when it is available

For additional information contact Commander Tracy Molfino at (831) 758-7250

The City took into account all of its users and the types of information they want to access. The users whose needs were considered include the public, local government officials and staff, professionals who work with local government, students, and the media.

Some of the new features include:
- RSS feeds for City Events, City News & Announcements, Council Agendas & Reports, Employment Opportunities, Information Bulletin, Police Department News Releases, and Press Releases. RSS feeds allow visitors to subscribe to a news feed and always have the latest City information automatically sent to their email or RSS reader,
- Calendars listing City, Community, City Council, Library, Neighborhood Services, and Recreation/Special events,
- Online employment applications, which can now be completed through a link to CalOpps.org.

The website will be dynamic, and enhancements will be added over time to continue to improve users’ experience. The address will remain the same at: www.ci.salinas.ca.us. The website is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).