Can I count on you to vote NO on Measure H in Salinas?
I'm asking my fellow Salinas residents to take a few minutes to understand what we're actually voting on November 3.
There's been a lot of advertising, political messaging, and promises about Measure H. But I think voters deserve to know exactly what a YES or NO vote means.
Here's the most important thing to understand:
- YES on H repeals four existing Salinas ordinances covering rent stabilization, tenant protections, anti-harassment, and rental registration.
- NO on H keeps all four ordinances in place.
That's it. Measure H does not create replacement protections, fund new rental assistance, or require new housing construction.
What are the four ordinances actually doing for Salinas?
1. Rent Stabilization ā Limits excessive rent increases
For covered apartments built before 1995, annual rent increases are generally limited to 2.75% or 75% of inflation, whichever is lower.
For example, on a $2,000 monthly rent:
- A 2.75% increase = $55 more per month.
- A 10% increase = $200 more per month.
The ordinance also limits increases to once per year and provides a process for landlords to request adjustments when necessary to earn a fair return on their investment.
2. Tenant Protection and Just Cause Eviction ā Protects families from unfair displacement
This ordinance establishes rules for when tenants can be evicted, provides protections including relocation assistance in qualifying circumstances, and gives eligible displaced tenants a right to return.
It also includes notice requirements, including Spanish-language notices.
3. Anti-Harassment Ordinance ā Protects tenants from intimidation
Landlords cannot use prohibited harassment, threats, intimidation, or interference with housing services to pressure tenants out of their homes.
These protections matter especially for seniors, families, and residents who may be afraid to speak up.
4. Rental Registration ā Creates accountability
Requires covered rental properties to be registered with the City, helping the City administer and enforce its rental housing programs.
It also gives the City information about rental housing covered by the program.
Now let's talk about what YES on H supporters are promising.
CLAIM: Measure H will provide rental deposit assistance and emergency rent relief.
REALITY: Measure H does not establish or fund either program. The City has confirmed that the measure does not guarantee additional rental assistance funding.
CLAIM: Measure H will create better eviction protections.
REALITY: Measure H repeals the existing Tenant Protection and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. It does not replace it with another eviction protection ordinance.
CLAIM: Measure H will increase affordable housing and housing supply.
REALITY: Measure H does not require a single new housing unit to be built, establish affordability requirements, or fund affordable housing construction.
CLAIM: We can repeal these ordinances and replace them with something better.
REALITY: Measure H does not enact replacement policies. Any future replacement would require separate City Council action, with no guarantee of approval.
Why am I voting NO?
Because I believe Salinas can protect renters while respecting property owners' rights.
Our ordinances allow landlords to receive a fair return. They provide protections against harassment and unjust displacement. And they help prevent sudden, excessive rent increases for covered households.
My question to everyone supporting YES on H is simple: If these promises are real, where are they written in the measure?
I encourage everyone to read the actual ballot language and ask questions, even if you disagree with me.
I'm Andrew Sandoval, Salinas City Councilmember for District 5, and I'm voting NO on Measure H.
Can I count on your NO vote on November 3?