JAMES K. GUMBERG
RAM PATANE • GUMBERG AVILA • MORA, LLP
DIRECT LINE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW (831) 417-3600
E-MAIL
[email protected]
April 27, 2026
VIA HAND-DELIVERY VIA HAND-DELIVERY
VIA EMAIL VIA EMAIL
Rene Mendez, City Manager Christopher Callihan, City Attorney City of Salinas City of Salinas
200 Lincoln Ave. 200 Lincoln Ave.
Salinas, CA 93901 Salinas, CA 93901
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Re: Jose Luis Barajas
Request for Permission to Be Excused from Attendance from Regular City Council Meetings Per Government Code §36513 and 6.2 of Salinas Municipal Code
Request for Leave due to Serious Health Condition under FMLA/CFRA Mr. Mendez and Mr. Callihan,
I am writing on behalf of District 1 Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas.
Please consider this letter as Councilmember Barajas's request to the City Council for permission to be excused from attendance from regular City Council meetings up through and including June 30, 2026, due to his own qualifying serious health condition, as that term is defined under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Please see attached Certification of Health Care Provider (CRD-E119- ENG) substantiating Councilmember Barajas's serious health condition under CFRA/FMLA.
During this period, Councilmember Barajas will be under medical care due to a serious health condition and will be unable to perform public duties, including attendance at regular council meetings. Pursuant to CA Government Code §36513, Section 6.2 of the Salinas Municipal Code any related State laws or city ordinances, this request is made to ensure that Councilmember Barajas's absence during this time is recognized as excused and approved by the Council.
Please also consider this letter and the attached Certification as Councilmember Barajas's need for qualifying medical leave due to his own serious health condition under the FMLA/CFRA.
If Councilmember Barajas's anticipated return date changes based on medical guidance, we will promptly inform you.
4 Rossi Circle, Suite 231 • Salinas, California 93907 • Telephone (831) 755-1461 • Facsimile (831) 755-1477 www.pglawfirm.com
Mr. Rene Mendez
Mr. Christopher Callihan
April 27, 2026
Please contact me should you have questions or require additional information.
Very truly yours,
NE • GUMBERG • AVILA • MORA, LLP
JAMES K. GUMBERG
JKG/kj
Enclosure
cc: Client, via email, with enclosure