Measure V for Victory: Salinas Libraries Saved!

-- Library Journal, 11/10/2005

The dark cloud that hung over the mortally-threatened Salinas Public Library has showed its silver lining: Measure V, which will put $11 million annually in the city's coffers for ten years, was embraced by local voters November 8. The half-cent sales tax will restore funding to library and recreation centers, as well as support public safety services like police and fire protection, the Monterey County Herald reported. Mayor Anna Caballero said, "What's exciting about this victory is that there was a great sense of despair nine months ago, and together we changed that around." Rally Salinas!, a grassroots effort to save the library from closure, proved a resounding success in generating support in the community leading to triumph at the polls. "We created a great sense of community," the mayor said, "but our job is not done. We need to decide what gets replaced, what gets to improve. But today we proved that every vote counts."