DATE: JANUARY 13, 2026
DEPARTMENT: CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
FROM: CHRISTOPHER A. CALLIHAN, CITY ATTORNEY
TITLE: RESOLUTION DISAPPROVING OF AND CENSURING CERTAIN ACTIONS OF COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW SANDOVAL RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that the City Council consider a Resolution disapproving of and censuring certain actions of Council member Andrew Sandoval.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At the request of individual Council members, this censure action is brought forward for the City Council’s consideration at an open and public hearing. Notice of the specific actions upon which the proposed censure is based was provided to Council member Sandoval on December 2, 2025, via hand-delivery, electronic mail, and U.S. Mail. A copy of the December 2, 2025, Notice of Proposed Censure Action (the “Notice”) is attached for reference. The specific actions upon which the proposed censure is based are included in the Resolution attached to this Report.
The censure action was originally scheduled for December 9, 2025, however, following his receipt of the December 2, 2025, Notice Council member Sandoval retained legal counsel to represent him in the proposed censure action and through his legal counsel requested an extension of time to the next regularly scheduled city council meeting to respond to the allegations outlined in the Notice.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council has authority as a local legislative body to take actions as a body, including making statements and requests related to its members, and to change or to limit the responsibilities of its members related to the conduct of City business. Conduct of Council members is addressed at the local level in the City Council’s Rules of Procedure and Order of Business for Council members and Guidelines for Public Decorum and Order at City Council Meetings (“Rules of Decorum”; Resolution No. 20742, April 28, 2015) and in Salinas Municipal Code section 2-1. The Rules of Decorum establish general norms and expectations applicable during City Council meetings and at other times.
A City Council may consider the acts of one of its members and censure a member. (Rules of Decorum Section 1(F)(1).) Notice of the proposed censure action, including the rescheduled date of January 13, 2026, was provided to Council member Sandoval who has been given an opportunity to respond to the notice in writing and, along with his legal counsel, will be given an opportunity to respond verbally during the public hearing.
Council member Sandoval was provided a copy of this Report and attachments at the same time it was made available to the general public.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
Government Code section 84308 does not apply to this item.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This item is not directly aligned with the City Council’s Strategic Plan (City of Salinas Strategic Plan 2025-2028).
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The City Attorney’s Office coordinated with the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk on this item.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the City Council’s consideration of this item.
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Notice of Proposed Censure Action (December 2, 2025)
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CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
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