Recall for a Salinas Councilmember moves a step forward.

A petition to gather signatures to recall Salinas City Councilmember José Luis Barajas, who represents District 1, was approved by the Salinas City Clerk on Monday, Aug. 10.

“The proponents have 90 days to circulate the petition form to obtain the required number of signatures needed; in this case, it would be 2,462,” says City Clerk Patricia Soratos. 

This is the second attempt Daniel Muñoz, an East Salinas resident who is running for mayor, has initiated against Barajas and also against Supervisor Luis Alejo. In the first attempt, Muñoz didn’t gather enough signatures—at least 60 are required—that were required for the first step in the recall process.

The recall efforts against Barajas began after he voted in favor of repealing the rent stabilization and tenant protection ordinances last year. (In November, voters will decide if they want to keep these ordinances or not). 

Barajas did not respond by the time of publication. 

Barajas was absent from the dais for nearly three months for medical reasons. During this time, several constituents demanded his resignation. He returned to City Hall on June 30.  

Soratos says that if proponents gather enough to trigger the recall election, it won’t be in time for the November ballot.