Salinas City Council moves forward with repealing four ordinances surrounding tenants and landlords

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - After hours of public comment Tuesday night, the Salinas City Council deciding to repeal the four rental ordinances, just one more reading of the ordinance needed to fully repeal the rental ordinances.

Former council members also showing up to show their support for the ordinances, former councilmember Anthony Rocha calling the repeal "shameful", while thanking councilmembers Barrera and Sandoval for fighting to keep the ordinances in the city.

The vote came along the same lines as the last time the issue was discussed by the council, only council members that helped pass the ordinances on the last council voted no on the repeal. Council now expected to hear the issue again on June 3rd.

Original Article - On Tuesday night, Salinas City Council decided to move forward with repealing four ordinances tackling renter protections in the city. While the those ordinances are set to go away, their motion included a push towards a rental assistance program and monthly housing report to the council.

“We've literally outgrown our city, and that's that's a big part of the problem, and we all want it fixed tomorrow," Salinas District 3 Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo said.

In the same meeting, City Council also received a report surrounding the progress of those ordinances so far.

In September 2024, the previous council adopted a rent stabilization program which also addressed just cause evictions, tenant protections, and tenant anti-harassment.

In April 2023, a residential rental registration program was also adopted. Council chambers were at capacity during the item as countless people spoke on the item.

“I feel the short time frame that this was enacted, it was shoved down all of our throats. We had very few meetings, and none of our feedback was taken into consideration," said one person during public comment.

A group of Salinas doctors also help a conference outside the council rotunda, prior to the meeting, in support of keeping the ordinances.

“These policies provide immediate relief and long term stability to thousands of residents Salinas residents, including doctors, faith leaders and advocates," Dr. John Silva said.

The decision to repeal the ordinance coming by a 5-2 vote.

Notably, the five votes supporting the repeal came from the new council members and new Mayor Donohue. Whereas the two votes against a repeal came from Council Members Barrera and Sandoval.

In terms of the potential rental assistance program, no specific details were given, other than the city would explore it.