Dead Air

DEAD AIR… There are awkward moments – Nikki Glaser on CBS delivering the Golden Globes monologue Sunday, Jan. 11, in which she calls CBS News the “best place to see B.S. news” comes to mind – and then there are unintentionally awkward moments like what took place during the Carmel City Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, as Mayor Dale Byrne announced his choice for mayor pro tem for 2026. (“Mayor pro tempore,” Latin for “temporary mayor,” or a fancy way to say vice mayor.)

Byrne’s pick for 2025 was Councilmember Bob Delves, elected to council in November 2024, along with Byrne. He could have chosen Jeff Baron, the longest-serving councilmember since 2018 who came in second to Byrne in the mayoral race, but he went with Delves, who previously served on a council in Colorado. On Jan. 12, Byrne announced that he’s going with Delves again. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” Byrne quoted the old saying.

“Any questions from the council?” Byrne asked. Silence. Then the mayor asked if someone would make a motion to appoint Delves, acknowledging a vote wasn’t necessary but “it would be nice.” The other three councilmembers – Baron, Alissandra Dramov, Hans Buder – looking uncomfortable, stayed silent. Finally, City Attorney Brian Pierik spoke up, telling Byrne, “It’s your appointment to make.” Byrne moved on.

Talk about awkward – even Squid squirmed.

LISTEN IN… Squid is a melophile, with a love of music – maybe because Squid was raised to the sound of the sea. Squid also has a soft spot for local political drama. So it is only a natural fit that Squid’s ears would perk up to listen to Salinas rapper Cal Paradox’s latest album, Politics As Usual, released on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The release date coincided with Salinas City Council voting 5-2 (predictably) to censure Councilmember Andrew Sandoval over his social media presence, which includes mocking fellow council members, and the way he operates during public meetings.

The album cover shows a happy group photo of the councilmembers backing the censure – Aurelio Salazar Jr., Gloria De La Rosa, Margaret D’Arrigo, José Luis Barajas and Mayor Dennis Donohue. The songs highlight power dynamics on the council, including two factions (one song is titled “5v2”) and Cal Paradox makes his views known with “Sandoval for Salinas.” Several of the songs include snippets of comments made by members of the council.

While Squid remains highly skeptical that the censure will change council dynamics, it has for sure motivated Sandoval’s sympathizers to advocate for him, and even helped shape a new record. To those like Squid who are fans of music and political drama, that combination is music to the ears.