Residents flood Salinas council public comment defending Councilmember Andrew Sandoval amid proposed censure

Dozens of residents spoke during the public-comment period at the Salinas City Council’s Dec. 9 meeting to defend Councilmember Andrew Sandoval and criticize a proposed censure. Several speakers said Sandoval’s outreach and constituent work merit support rather than punishment.

Supporters described Sandoval as an active neighborhood presence who organizes community events and has used his platform to highlight alleged waste and corruption. Joseph Valvarado said the proposed censure “is not just a political action. It sends a message,” and warned it would damage public trust. Other commenters echoed that view and asked the council to concentrate on urgent problems such as gun violence and homelessness.

Several speakers urged clearer rules for public comment and for ceremonial invocations to be scheduled separately from public-comment time so minutes are not consumed by recitations unrelated to city business. City officials acknowledged those concerns and said they would review public-comment procedures. No formal council action on the proposed censure was taken during the meeting.