The City of Salinas received national attention last year for its decision to close municipal libraries due to a shortage in city funding and the subsequent “Measure V” campaign which raised the city’s sales tax half a cent. National figures and celebrities such as Hector Elizondo, George Lopez and others donated to the “Rally Salinas” campaign which raised over $500,000 in private funds to keep the libraries open until a public solution could be found. Mayor Anna Caballero received much of the credit for spearheading this effort and for “saving” the City of Salinas libraries.
A few weeks ago Mayor Caballero declared her intention to run for AD 28 setting up an interesting primary showdown with Watsonville Mayor Ana Ventura Phares. Although Caballero is well liked and has incredible name ID within the district, Ventura Phares has picked up some heavy endorsements including the UFW and a ton of Sacramento legislators including Cindy Montanez, Jackie Goldberg and Jenny Oropeza. 
Although the Democratic primary will be an interesting one to watch (I expect it to get pretty intense) it set up a much more interesting showdown for the mayorship of Salinas.
Salinas has not had a competitive mayor’s race in over 15 years which means that much of this year’s race will be run in uncharted territory. Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce president Dennis Donahue and City Councilwoman Maria Giuriato both announced they are running. Both have notable community support and both will be tough campaigners.
I believe any opportunity for a competitive citywide campaign in Salinas will be a good thing. The voters in Salinas deserve to see two candidates square off on issues affecting their everyday lives- 15 years is a long time to avoid the debate. Salinas is at a crucial turning point in terms of industry, job creation and growth. Let’s hope these candidates are able to give the city the substantive campaign it deserves.