Salinas City Council to consider censuring Councilmember Andrew Sandoval.

What happens in the virtual world is not just happening somewhere theoretical. Based largely on posts he has made on social media, Salinas City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval is facing a possible censure by his colleagues on Tuesday, Jan. 13. 

The proposed resolution quotes the council's rules of decorum requiring councilmembers to "make the public feel welcome and not be partial, prejudiced or disrespectful toward the public; treat each other, staff and members of the public with dignity, courtesy and respect…[and] avoid negative comments that could offend other councilmembers during public meetings, in the media or any other time," among other things. 

The proposed resolution to censure him goes on to list specific instances in which Sandoval reportedly violated that code. The resolution includes an instance of name-calling ("mentiroso," or liar, toward Councilmember Aurelio Salazar on one occasion in April) and includes several links to social media posts Sandoval has made mocking or questioning colleagues or their calls to adhere to decorum. The posts use publicly recorded video, produced by the city, documenting public meetings—with captions, editing and commentary added by Sandoval. 

(A censure is a mostly symbolic action, a public rebuke that does not alter the authority of its subject.)

In a letter dated Jan. 8, Sandoval responds to the allegations against him, but does not deny them—it's a list of links to videos he himself produced. 

"I was elected by my constituents to provide firsthand information and honest communication and to lead with integrity, which means doing what is right even when no one is watching," he wrote. "Our community expects updates, context, and transparency and social media is by far one of the most effective tools available to ensure they receive it. The reach of my platforms shows exactly what my residents prefer: access to information directly from their elected representative in a venue that meets them where they are…

"When I step out, it is often because I want to ensure that constituents who speak, many for the first time, receive the follow-up, support, or information they need. I do this because doing right by people requires more than listening; it requires action." 

The deliberations have been all but shared publicly already. When Councilmembers José Luis Barajas and Margaret D'Arrigo first raised the idea of a censure back in October, others on the dais chimed in to generally agree and pile on, echoing their frustrations. 

Mayor Dennis Donohue praised him for raising the issue. "José, I know that took a lot of courage, so I’ll thank you for addressing what’s been an elephant in the room, on social media, wherever one finds elephants running around."

"I concur with my fellow councilmembers in requesting a censure," said Councilmemember Aurelio Salazar on Oct. 28. "If you focused your time on being a real city leader, the city of Salinas would be a very better (sic) place…I share [Barajas'] frustrations. One of the big questions I have for Councilmember Sandoval is: Are you OK? That’s the answer that we want to know."

(We asked and the answer is yes, Sandoval is just fine.)

Sandoval requested the censure hearing be delayed by a month so he had time to review the matter with legal counsel, so it was pushed from a December to a January hearing. 

The hearing is scheduled for 6pm during a council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Salinas City Hall.