www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 21 guide processes in which city officials invite the right types of experts to help guide projects successfully and transparently from start to finish. FORTAG construction is anticipated to end in late November. It will not only provide regional connectivity, but make Del Rey Oaks itself safer with an undercrossing to get across Canyon Del Rey Boulevard. Construction has been a headache for the community, but when it’s done Cabanillas and Parker plan to celebrate. Incumbent Jeremy Hallock says it will be a sigh of relief. His worst instincts came out on Sept. 22 at a council meeting when, following a presentation on the project, he said, “The community is disgruntled, there is resounding frustration, irritation and downright anger.” We opt for councilmembers who want to be team players, not fighters, and who are excited about progress. Gonzales MAYOR | LIZ SILVA CITY COUNCIL | DISTRICT 1 | MARIA OROZCO CITY COUNCIL | DISTRICT 4 | CONNIE ARELLANO Gonzales is at the precipice of big changes with the 3,498-home Vista Lucia annexation recently approved. That means big potential for economic growth (that will take years to actually get built), but the city is also facing immediate fiscal challenges, particularly after a parcel tax to support fire and emergency response failed in June. That will require some creative thinking needed by the new council, with Jose Rios retiring as mayor. The choices are clear. Liz Silva was first appointed to the Gonzales City Council almost 18 years ago and has served on a variety of regional boards. She knows the issues and wants to keep progress on track for essential city services, such as a new wastewater treatment plant. Silva does not offer up big ideas, but she is pragmatic and has proven herself capable of partnering with others for the long haul. Similarly, Maria Orozco should return to council to continue her track record. Like Silva, she’s a diehard supporter of Vista Lucia, despite its flaws. We hope that Orozco can fulfill her plan to help working residents find a path to homeownership to be able to afford these homes once they’re built. We are especially excited about Recreation Commissioner Connie Arellano, who wants to improve the city’s bilingual community outreach and transparency, diversify the types of small businesses and see a more inviting downtown. “Economic development shouldn’t depend on a single project,” she notes. “By supporting local businesses and revitalizing downtown, Gonzales can build a stronger, more resilient economy.” Greenfield CITY COUNCIL | DISTRICT 3 | RACHEL ORTIZ The City of Greenfield is a case study in why infrastructure matters. The city’s growth has outpaced its wastewater treatment plant, leading to water quality violations from excess flows. Faced with that reality, the City Council took extreme action to avoid any further problems, and in 2025 put a moratorium on any new development until a new plant is built. Then they took serious steps toward getting that new plant built and have hired an engineering firm to lead the project. This is not usually the kind of thing someone running for public office is excited about, but incumbent Rachel Ortiz is such a person. She has worked alongside Mayor Bob White and District 1 Councilmember Belen Garcia, who are both unopposed. Ortiz is facing David Godoy, a DJ who has lived in Greenfield for over 38 years. Ortiz deserves a second term. She wants to see continued diversification of housing, including seasonal farmworker housing as well as market-rate homes. She wants to prioritize getting a resource center to combine services such as mental health and support for victims of crime. These are not sexy projects, but Ortiz is a long-time volunteer dedicated to getting done things that matter. Marina MAYOR | LIESBETH VISSCHER CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 | MIKE SIMMONS Some cities would benefit from a changeup in leadership. Others would benefit from a steady hand continuing in the same direction. In the case of Marina, this is a both/and. With Mayor Bruce Delgado retiring after 18 years, it opens up the seat to someone new, and three strong candidates are running to take his place: Councilmember Liesbeth Visscher, health care professional Mike Moeller and Hartnell College professor Ana Luz Acevedo-Cabrera. Visscher is the best option to lead Marina into its next chapters. All three demonstrate thoughtful advocacy for a city whose population has grown by 18 percent since 2010 and has seen residential and commercial neighborhoods rise over that period. Visscher has a broad vision of ecoAndrew Sandoval | Salinas City Council DANIEL DREIFUSS DANIEL DREIFUSS Annalisa Mitchell | Seaside City Council
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