City of Salinas, California sent this bulletin at 01/20/2026 09:30 AM PST
CASP DIGEST - January 20, 2026
Farewell & Thank you!
Dear CASP Partners,
Since September of 2013, I have had the honor of serving as Director of the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace as a City of Salinas staff member acting as the backbone for this collective impact effort. What began as a professional assignment quickly became a true labor of love. It is with a bittersweet sentiment that I announce my last day in this role will be Friday, January 23. I have accepted the position of City Manager for the City of King.
Together, we built a strong foundation—developing shared strategic plans, securing millions of dollars in state and federal funding with nearly all resources passed directly through to community partners, and most importantly, cultivating genuine cross-sector relationships rooted in trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to safety and opportunity.
While I am not a Salinas or Monterey County native, my children are, because this where we've chose to raise our family! This community has my heart. Through our partnerships we have engaged our community in the sharing of resources, thoughtful dialogue, celebration and advocacy. CASP has demonstrated what is possible when government, nonprofits, education, law enforcement, and residents align around a common vision. I am confident the Alliance’s future is strong, and that its collaborative, community-driven approach will continue to positively shape Salinas and Monterey County for years to come.
As I take on my next role as the City of King’s next City Manager, I carry forward the lessons, relationships, and inspiration gained through this work. Thank you for the partnership, trust, and the shared belief that prevention, collaboration, and community voice truly matter.
With sincere gratitude,
Jose Arreola Director, Community Alliance for Safety and Peace
NEXT CASP MEETING
Join us for our next CASP meeting Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 AM. This will be an in person meeting at Salinas City Hall in the Valley Conference room. This meeting will also be CASP Director Jose Arreola's final meeting in this role. Come join us to wish him farewell and network with some of Monterey County's finest leaders with the goal of making our community safer for everyone!
Meeting Zoom Link (first Wednesday of the month only)
If you have trouble accessing the presentations, please email jose.arreola@salinas.gov for a PDF copy.
Shining in Our Community
City of Salinas Library Community Services Department - Hebbron Family Center Grand Opening
The wait is almost over! The Hebbron Family Center is officially opening its doors, and we’re celebrating in a BIG way! Join us on Saturday, January 31 for our Grand Opening Celebration, featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony, free food, music, performances, and more!
The Hebbron Family Center was the epicenter of all CASP community outreach and programs between 2009 and 2019. At the time the center was located in the most violent neighborhood in Salinas. More importantly the community center hosted hundreds of programs to serve all ages in the community.
We can’t wait to welcome you and celebrate together!
CASP Welcomes Three New Board Members
CASP Awards Recap Video
Check out this outstanding video created by Alvaro "Coach Al" Venegas and his team at Man 0n A Missi0n, highlighting the 2025 Community Alliance for Safety and Peace (CASP) Awards!
Coach Al served as our inspiring keynote speaker, helping us celebrate the incredible contributions of Dawn Allen, Melissa Edwards, Zacil Pech Hernandez, and Julia Muruato.
Thank you to Coach Al and his team for the uplifting and empowering speech and for creating a video that captures the heart of the 2025 CASP Awards. It’s a meaningful way for us to remember and reflect on this special event.
See you all in the CASP Awards 2026!
CASP Strategic Plan on Violence Prevention
Click on the image below to view our digital flip e-zine of our Comprehensive Strategic Plan to Prevent and Reduce Violence.
Announcements
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is seeking volunteers to help out for weekend game days, so come join us!
Volunteers can choose from the various events posted and participate in Assisting with Resource Table, Parking Attendant, Facility Maintenance, field marshaling and monitoring surveys.
With the size of our current team, volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that we can continue to provide quality programs and maintain our facilities to the highest standards.
The Cannabis Education Program is looking for an intern to join their team. Scan the QR code or click here to apply!
The YWCA is Hiring!
The YWCA is seeking a a full time Shelter & Housing Lead responsible for supporting residents with their daily living needs while ensuring the shelter operates safely and smoothly.
The City of Salinas will only accept applications for job postings that are currently open. To view a listing of our current employment opportunities and apply for positions, please visit our Government Jobs career page.
By contributing to the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace, you're helping build a safer and stronger community for everyone. All funds will be used for upcoming CASP events and activities, including the CASP Awards, March for Peace, My Life Story Conference, community outreach, and more!
Join us on Saturday, January 31 for our Grand Opening Celebration, featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony, free food, music, performances, and more!
