Great cities have the ability to control their destinies. One of the reasons I like city government so much is that I believe a general consensus can be built around things on which most people agree.
I think most Salinas residents agree that we want thriving and safe neighborhoods, opportunity for everybody and a more attractive city. Regardless of whatever differences any of us may have in the marketplace, politically or otherwise, I think we all understand that “home” is for all of us. Great cities are also unique spots to visit and do business.
Salinas is already pretty special for a city of 150,000. Think of some of the events Salinas has an international reputation for. We just observed a highly successful 29th Salinas Airshow, which was covered by CBS news for a feature on the air show world, underscoring Salinas’ place in that world.
The National Steinbeck Festival was also a great success this year. The Arthurian theme helped expand the audience and introduced John Steinbeck to a new generation. Next year’s theme of Steinbeck and the World offers great promise. I believe the National Steinbeck Center, and its annual festival, is now on a new literary event journey. It is one that will result in Salinas being mentioned more frequently and routinely in the same breath as other noted literary destinations in the United States such as Ashland, Oregon.
The upcoming 12-month period features two milestones that all of Salinas can be proud of and will also draw national attention to Salinas. On September 27 the Salinas Public Library will begin its 100th anniversary celebration. Library fans in Salinas and throughout the country will focus again on Salinas libraries. This time it will be to celebrate the central role of libraries in communities. We will also remember -- for just a moment -- how close we came to losing them until the community stepped in and saved them!
Next July, the California Rodeo will celebrate its 100th anniversary. All eyes of the Western world will be focused on Salinas. “Big Week” will never be bigger, it is possible we will see the return for next year of the Colmo Parade, which was years ago the largest night parade west of the Mississippi.
Think about all of these events and others that we know and cherish. They remind of us of why Salinas is a great community. Their success is no accident. There is financial and organizational capacity among Salinas’ residents and businesspeople, along with passionate commitment to make sure the “show goes on” and customer expectations are met.
In the coming months Salinas will be engaged in a critical civic dialogue. The focus will be whether or not we want to provide the City of Salinas with the financial and organizational capacity for the Police Department and key supporting city services to become a more peaceful city – for our residents, visitors and businesses and their clients.
Let’s keep these great events in mind as we begin discussing the merits of Measure K and a Penny for Peace. They all serve as shining examples of what Salinas can achieve when it is committed, focused and working together. We deserve that Great City everyday. And, we deserve a safe city – let’s support the resources to keep it safe.
