Protect Salinas Renters Update
Salinas Underground
This week, we get an update from Protect Salinas Renters about the rent stabilization ordinance. Over 10,000 signatures were gathered to get it on the ballot in front of Salinas voters. Xago, Jesus, and Jasmine sit down with Oz to talk about how we got here and the upcoming election. To learn more about the launch party on March 7th click the link below 👇
info_outline
As Things Change Everything Stays the Same
Salinas Underground
The world is in a state of constant change, and Salinas is no different. In this episode, Oz talks about changes happening around town. Change is not always welcome, and we are seeing some of that in our local politics. Even though change is always happening, the past has a strange habit of sticking around longer than we expect, and Salinas is seeing some of that as well.
info_outline
Luther McDaniels aka Lord Luther
Salinas Underground
Luther McDaniels moved to Salinas with his mom just after WWII. He soon made friends with three other guys who had gospel roots like him, and they formed the 4 Dueces. One day, Luther was invited by a friend to check on rabbit traps by the Salinas River. That led to a multi-decade music career with Salinas at its center.
info_outline
Brian Sheffield Director of The Elephant Man
Salinas Underground
Brian Sheffield is a writer, teacher, and all-around interesting person. His latest project has him directing the 1979 play The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance for Enchantrix Theatre. We sit in the studio and talk about life, French opinions about Americans, and, of course, his vision for the play. The play runs from January 9 to January 30. Tickets can be purchased at
info_outline
SUP Independent November 31, 2025
Salinas Underground
It would seem like people camping out for chicken would be the most interesting story of the month, but a schoolyard spat between local politicians has Oz looking through his bookshelf looking for answers. He found it in an article written by Huey Newton in 1967.
info_outline
The Rumba Madre
Salinas Underground
The Rumba Madre is a band that needs to be experienced in person. David is the founder and creative leader who has gone all around the world learning and playing music. He talks with Oz about their new single "Vibaporú," which is now available to stream online. He talks about the inspiration behind the song. Be warned, when you start playing "Vibaporú," you won't be able to sit still, and the song will be in your head all week.
info_outline
Baila Baila Dance Studio
Salinas Underground
Andrea Leon started Baila Baila Studio this year to get everybody in Monterey County on the dance floor and out of their comfort zone. Listen to her story of growth, from a shy, introverted person who disliked attention to leading dance classes with dozens of people. She teaches at the Links in Carmel on Tuesdays and at 201 Main in Oldtown Salinas on Friday nights. Her classes are welcoming and open to all, and her patience with new dancers makes sure that everybody feels comfortable and learns something new every time. Grab your dancing shoes and come on out to one of her classes!
info_outline
Ciclovia 2025
Salinas Underground
Ashley, Nancy, and Yari are three of the young Salinas residents who help put on the Ciclovia event coming up on October 12. This event closes off Alisal Street from Front Street to Sanborn Road to vehicles and lets pedestrians take over. Not only pedestrians but also people riding bikes, rollerblading, skateboarding, and most other forms of transportation that don't require an engine. This is an awesome event that is planned and executed by the youth and has been held annually for over 10 years. It is an opportunity to get outside and see the city from an angle that you usually only see from...
info_outline
SUP Independent: Church and State
Salinas Underground
Recently, some members of the city council asked for a financial request that turned out to be more controversial than they expected. They requested $100,000 for a Fourth of July event hosted by Compass Church that was open to the public. This raised questions not only about the amount going to one group but also whether this violated any law requiring the separation of church and state. Ultimately, the council decided to punt the vote down the road, but not before they heard plenty from members of the community. Additionally, the walls are being constructed on the new Amazon warehouse located...
info_outline
Prime Ag Land
Salinas Underground
Amazon is building a huge fulfillment center on the edge of town. With that comes thousands of new jobs, millions of tax dollars flowing into the city, and increased pressure on the infrastructure to keep things all running smoothly. Oz takes a deeper look into what this building actually is, how big it is, and how much sales tax is can potentially generate for the city of Salinas. Additionally, can the city approach Amazon and ask them to partner with local colleges to train a workforce centered on agriculture to fix and maintain the thousands of robots that will go into the new facility?
info_outlineRecently, some members of the city council asked for a financial request that turned out to be more controversial than they expected. They requested $100,000 for a Fourth of July event hosted by Compass Church that was open to the public. This raised questions not only about the amount going to one group but also whether this violated any law requiring the separation of church and state. Ultimately, the council decided to punt the vote down the road, but not before they heard plenty from members of the community. Additionally, the walls are being constructed on the new Amazon warehouse located on the edge of town, which promises to alter the landscape of Salinas.