| All candidates are in alphabetical order |
Land Use Policy - Affordable Housing |
|
| Anthony Rocha | |
| What is your position on affordable housing? Please be specific with regards to policies you support or oppose. | The most important issue affecting my city is the lack of affordable housing. We need to elect individuals who will be fierce negotiators and innovative thinkers on housing issues. We cannot continue to give sweetheart deals to the developers. We need stronger inclusionary housing ordinances, mixed use developments, increased density and meaningful community benefits agreements. In addition I would advocate for partnerships with nonprofits to build 100% affordable units. We must also be very innovative and have the city create models for appropriate accessory dwelling units, so that people can create extra living space in a safe and lawful manner. |
| Do you support modifying city policies and regulations to make it easier and cheaper to build housing? If so, what specific policy changes do you support? | Yes, we need to make sure we are actively working towards meeting our housing goals but also be mindful of upholding environmental protections. |
| Do you support requiring developers to actually build inclusionary units instead of paying an "in lieu" fee? | Yes. I am opposed to the continual use of in lieu fees that do nothing to address the housing affordability crisis. |
| Do you support requiring that inclusionary housing units be made permanently affordable, even upon resale? If not, please explain. | Yes. We have to do everything we can to keep communities affordable for current and future residents. |
| Do you support requiring developers of hospitality, commercial, and industrial projects that significantly increase demand for already scarce housing resources to also build workforce housing? | Yes. |
| What other housing policies do you support or oppose? | I also am in favor of the use of commercial linkage fees to support affordable housing. |
Water Supplies |
|
| Anthony Rocha | |
| What specific proposals do you support to ensure your community can meet its water demands without increasing the overdraft of the County's groundwater aquifers? | First, Salinas could start with water conservation. The Monterey Peninsula significantly reduced water use through water efficient appliances, planting flowers, shrubs and trees compatible with our climate.Improved irrigation techniques has allowed agricultural production to greatly expand with a less than commensurate level of water use. There is undoubtedly more that can be done, including conservation and planting less water intensive crops. In addition, there is solid innovation in the intersection of waste water and drinking water supply. Again, the Peninsula is purifying recycled water and some storm water to drinking standards. These are all ways to meet water needs and decrease impacts on our overdrafted aquifers. |
| Do you support expansion of Pure Water Monterey as an alternative to building a desalination plant? | Yes, I signed onto the letter of elected officials who support this. |
Sprawl Reduction |
|
| Anthony Rocha | |
| Salinas recently approved the West Area Specific Plan, which expands low density development onto almost 500 acres of prime farmland, even though the City currently has over 7,580 acres of land for potential economic development within its existing city limits and Sphere of Influence. The City is now considering approval of the Central Area Specific Plan, which would add 792 acres of prime farmland for new development. Do you support this expansion? If so, why? | I do support the central area specific plan because our city needs more housing but I am entirely opposed to the way the city is going to build it out. This plan is why I decided to run. We need to focus on increased density, setting at strong maximum potential for affordable housing and demanding that developers met that maximum. We also need a strong community benefits agreement that includes a rent stabilization plan and a commitment to convert commercial property to residential. |
| Do you support the creation of "urban growth boundaries" or expansion of the existing boundary as a way to prevent urban sprawl, and to insure that future growth is compact, efficient, and protective of the environment? If not, what measures would you support to prevent urban sprawl? If yes, will you sponsor an urban growth boundary in the upcoming year, and make it one of your top three priorities? | I am against urban sprawl. Yes, I support Urban Growth Boundaries and I will sponsor it if elected. |
Transportation |
|
| Anthony Rocha | |
| Poorly planned, non-infill commercial developments and hotels create more trips and additional vehicle miles traveled on already overcrowded roads and highways. Both residents and visitors pay the price of delay, road impacts, and increased pollution. What specific traffic congestion relief solutions do you support? | I support transit oriented development, smaller roadways, and creating walkable communities. We need to promote more public transportation and create developments that make it easier for people to walk to their destinations. The less need for driving the better. |
| Do you support roundabouts on Highway 68 and other roads? What other transportation policies or practices have you seen that local governments should incorporate? | I do support roundabouts. I am a strong supporter of public transportation and walkable communities. |
Leadership |
|
| Anthony Rocha | |
| If you are elected, what will be your top three priorities? | Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, and Economic Development. |
| What land use policies would you champion for the community? | Smart planning, walkable communities, increased density, and transit oriented development. |
| What accomplishments in your career or public service are you most proud of? | As a School Board Member, I am proud of building the first two mental health wellness centers in the county, making ethnic studies a graduation requirement, and providing consistent raises to our staff. |
Background |
|
| Anthony Rocha | |
| Occupation | School Board Member |
| Years Lived in Area | 16 |
| Education | A.A. Hartnell College 2020, BA UC Santa Cruz 2022 |
| Experience | SUHSD School Board Monterey County Mental Health Commissioner Salinas Library and Community Services Commissioner Community Alliance for Safety and Peace Board of Directors Community Human Services, Board of Directors Development Officer, Peacock Acres Special Projects Coordinator, Catalyst Kids |
| Vanessa Michelle Robinson and Mars Rocamora Jr did not respond. |