After considering 11 applicants to a vacancy, Salinas City Council appoints Jesus Valenzuela.

On Tuesday, May 21, Salinas City Clerk Patricia Barajas announced the rules by which 11 candidates would make their pitch to be appointed to a vacancy on council. They would be in a conference room with no devices, then in a randomly selected order, each would be escorted into the council chamber, where they have 10 minutes to answer questions.

Each of the 11 were seeking to represent District 3, vacated by Steve McShane, who resigned May 10 after 14 years on council.

The applicants included people with a range of professional and volunteer credentials. Among them were Cary Swensen, an educator and small business owner who ran unsuccessfully against McShane in 2022; Joel Panzer, a land-use planner and vice president of the Oldtown Salinas Foundation, who also ran previously for District 3; Jesus Valenzuela, who works as community engagement manager for the City of Soledad; Angela McNulty, a Rotarian who recently retired from a 37-year career as a prosecutor; and financial adviser Albert Fong, who’s served for 10 years on the city’s Library and Community Services Commission.

Current councilmembers expressed thanks to all of the applicants for stepping up. “I commend all of you,” Councilmember Tony Barrera said.

Anthony Rocha made a motion to appoint Swensen, which failed 2-4. Andrew Sandoval followed with a motion to appoint McNulty; it was Rocha’s next motion, to appoint Valenzuela, that passed 5-1.

Valenzuela has experience as a community organizer, with the UFW Foundation and Building Healthy Communities. Staff retention and community engagement are his priorities.