Public Safety, Economic Development, and Community Partnerships

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 have revived the economic viability of the City and guided policy to promote a visionary approach to long term success. The current City Council has innovatively incorporated the recommendations of the Measure V Community Advisory Committee, the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee,and the community to further analyze the needs of the citizens through strategic planning and collaboration.

Libraries

Today library hours have been reinstated and the entire policy toward libraries has been expanded to be more visionary. Our new Library Director has reinvented our libraries by modernizing the physical appearance as well as the total philosophy centering on our youth and our community needs as a whole. New emphasis on a community based facility has been realized to include mobile units, refreshments, lounges, music rooms, and activities accessible to all citizens. Every elementary student now has a library card in the entire city.

Public Safety

Having lobbied extensively in Washington, DC, Salinas successful acquired over $3.5 million for the formation of the Monterey County/Salinas Gang Task Force. This program including Operation Ceasefire, Operation Knockout, Community Alliance for Safety and Peace has since contributed to a 60% reduction of violent crime in Salinas the past year. 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 and innovative resources through a White House initiative analyzing eight similar cities throughout the United States.

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.

Neighborhood watch programs are multiplying with an enormous success rate to reduce crime by focusing on community involvement. Monterey Park Neighborhood Watch has blossomed to over 1200 homes making an enormous difference in local crime.

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 was just the beginning of facilities needed to fulfill the safety needs of the expanding population. Paramedics have been fully reinstated.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, the recent State approval of the Economic Enterprise Zone has boosted hiring credits for new employees through a voucher system. Last year over 930 vouchers were awarded to 176 businesses.

Secondly, the annexation, rezoning, expeditious permitting, and approval of projects must be user-friendly to encourage employers to willingly inquire and proceed with acquisition. With the newest recommendations from a Blue Ribbon Committee analyzing the permit department, Salinas will see expeditious approvals of permits and more efficient processing.

Lastly, economic development will continue to 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.

New Zoning Code Amendments have enabled 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, is 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. The City Council strongly believes in the necessity of a larger public works crew to provide public services expected and needed by the community when new revenues are identified. Measure V will continue to provide resources to support the implementation of the public works department goals and objectives. In the meantime, creative partnerships have emerged to lease city facilities and golf courses until the city can once more financial operate city assets.

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 was completed which reviewed possibilities and analyzed citywide concerns. Resources to implement recommendations were prioritized in order to become realized. Partnerships with the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and the community has enabled a more cohesive parking and traffic calming situation in South Salinas. More traffic officers need to 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.

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. As a proven leader that is proactive and responsive, I would appreciate the opportunity to continue my public service to the community.