Andrew Sandoval censured for social media posts and his conduct at the dais.

Salinas City Hall was overflowing on Tuesday, Jan. 13 when the council convened to consider a resolution to censure Andrew Sandoval for mocking his fellow council members on social media and for not adhering to the city’s code of conduct and decorum. 

For over two hours, the council heard comments delivered in person and via Zoom. The overwhelming majority that spoke at the podium opposed the public rebuke, including Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez and Carla Viviana González, a former Salinas City Council member. 

Despite the support for Sandoval, the council voted 5-2 to censure him, with Sandoval and Tony Barrera opposing.

Councilmember Margaret D’Arrigo said it wasn’t about his social media presence but she voted yes because Sandoval didn’t follow the rules of conduct and decorum in public meetings, and his “actions, behavior and words” toward councilmembers, staff and the public. The censure “has nothing to do with Andrew's ability to do his job, his job performance, his relationships with his constituents,” D’Arrigo added. 

Some of Sandoval’s social media posts were listed in the resolution. His presence online has taken on a variety of tones; some posts are informative, others irreverent. In some, he calls out or makes fun of fellow council members.  

Councilmember José Luis Barajas said he had hoped to reach an agreement at a previous meeting, avoiding the public censure measure. “I entered that meeting prepared to engage constructively and professionally, but that effort was rejected. Councilmember Sandoval ended the meeting by looking at everyone in the room and stating, 'Regardless of the outcome of the censure, I'm still going to sue you.'”

Barajas alleged he has experienced intimidation tactics and dissemination of false claims by Sandoval on social media.

Barrera acknowledged Sandoval’s aptitude on social media, but he also called for a compromise and finding common ground. “When a fellow colleague [Gloria De La Rosa] tells me, 'Please stop bullying me' and you continue, I think that’s disrespectful,” Barrera said.

Barrera also highlighted Sandoval calling Aurelio Salazar Jr. a liar after Salazar supported a referendum on rent stabilization and related ordinances going to a vote this year. “What’s your strategy here?" Barrera inquired.

Several speakers said they believed the censure violated Sandoval’s First Amendment rights; multiple young people said his social media posts kept them involved in city business; and others said he was doing a great job as council member.

During the vote, several Sandoval supporters in the chambers turned their backs to the council and some shouted their frustration.  

In his remarks, Sandoval defended himself. 

“I knew if I pushed too hard or asked too many questions or gave my opinion too much, I knew what was going to happen: I was going to get to be the villain in some of these people's story,” he said. 

“This is about speech outside the chamber. I think seven out of the nine accusations are literally my social media posts which they interpreted."