Salinas Council votes to censure Councilmember Andrew Sandoval after heated public hearing

The Salinas City Council voted Jan. 13 to censure Councilmember Andrew Sandoval, concluding a public hearing dominated by dozens of speakers and nearly three hours of council discussion.

The measure, introduced by Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas and seconded by Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo, was presented by the city attorney as a formal expression of the council's disapproval for repeated conduct the draft resolution described as violations of the council's rules of decorum. "A censure is a formal action of the city council reprimanding one of its own members for specified actions or conduct," the city attorney told the chamber before public comment began.

Supporters of Sandoval filled the council chambers and the Zoom queue, telling the council that the proposed sanction appeared politically motivated. "This is not about ethics. This is about retaliation," one speaker said, arguing Sandoval uses social media to keep constituents informed. Many residents stressed Sandoval’s constituent work and urged the council to focus on housing, potholes and public safety instead of internal discipline.

Those backing the censure cited a pattern they said harmed collegial governance. In prepared remarks, Councilmember Barajas said Sandoval had "no intention of negotiating in good faith" and described a sequence of contacts and actions he characterized as intimidation, including outreach to employers and targeted public posts. Barajas urged the council to set a boundary on conduct among elected officials.

Sandoval used his allotted time to defend his approach and his record. "I ran to be present and to get things done," he said, acknowledging he sometimes "responds snarky" on social media but asserting his posts are part of public education and accountability. He also said some factual claims against him were incorrect and asked council members to identify evidence before voting.

After council discussion, the motion to censure passed 5–2. Councilmembers Barajas, D'Arrigo, De La Rosa, Salazar and Mayor Donahue voted in favor; Councilmembers Barrera and Sandoval voted no. The resolution lists examples of conduct the majority described as bullying, mockery and public disparagement of fellow councilmembers and members of the public.

The censure is a formal rebuke recorded in the public record. It does not remove Sandoval from office, and speakers on both sides warned of continued political consequences: supporters said voters should judge the matter at the ballot box, while critics said the measure was necessary to preserve collegiality and public trust.

The council returned to other business after the vote and closed the meeting for the evening. Sandoval said he will continue his constituent outreach and that he will work through the channels available to address any factual errors in the record.