Salinas Community Reports This community report was written by a student from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), as part of a volunteer program at LandWatch. The purpose of this collaboration is to engage students in their local communities, and to stimulate their interest in and knowledge about local land use issues. Participants in this program research issues and attend meetings in various communities in Monterey County, reporting on important agenda items and other items of interest. Community reports are written from the student's point of view, and do not necessarily represent the official position of LandWatch Monterey County. LandWatch is committed to offer information to the public, and we are happy to make our website available for these student perspectives. Please enjoy the following community reports from the various communities of Monterey County. City of Salinas General Plan Update Submitted by Marc Holbik Are you interested in taking part in the development of your community's vision for its long-term physical form and quality of life? If so, try to free up the afternoons of your first and third Wednesdays each month and voice your opinions and knowledge to the Planning Commission meetings held at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Rotunda, where the City Council and Salinas citizens are talking about the new General Plan. Last updated in 1988, the General Plan serves as a blueprint for land use and development, defining the policy and direction of the future of Salinas. And why, might you ask, is the General Plan so important? Perhaps you are one of the 54% of Salinas residents who cannot afford to own their own home due to the housing crisis and high rents. Do you wonder about the effects of development onto our prime agricultural land? Most likely you want to make your community a more healthy, happy, and beautiful place to live. There may not be an energy crisis if the ISO planned ahead (they must not have a General Plan). You may think this General Plan seems important, but a meeting at 3:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month (not to mention the important City Council meetings on the first three Tuesday's) may not a viable option for everybody. I'll let you all in on a little secret… call the Community Development Department at 758-7206 or e-mail to Comdev@ci.salinas.ca.us and ask to be put on their mailing list. Being on the mailing list allows you to receive informative updates. You may also ask the clerk for a compiled summary of the first three envisioning meetings that have taken place. It is very important to keep the public as informed as possible. I realize that the average person may not be able to attend these "public" meetings because of time conflicts and busy schedules. For the next couple of months, I will be attending meetings and focusing on land use issues concerning Salinas residents. My findings will be posted here on the LandWatch website. Till next time…Marcos You can contact Marc Holbik at: Mark_Holbik@monterey.edu  [Return to Community Reports]
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