Anna Velazquez Mayor 2022

08/28/2026

For those who need the Clean Air Center, please go to the Soledad Community Center! You can also attend if you are not from Soledad as our Clean Air-air Center was established to support Monterey County residents impacted by wildfires and poor quality of air conditions.

I’m so thankful I advocated to ensure Soledad had a Clean Air Center to support our families during these challenging times. Our hearts and prayers go out to all impacted by Timber Fire!

🚩 Red Flag Warning / Alerta de Bandera Roja

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for areas of Monterey County. The Community Center Clean Air Center is activated and available to the community. Please monitor weather and fire conditions as they can change rapidly.

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional ha emitido una Alerta de Bandera Roja para algunas áreas del Condado de Monterey. El Centro Comunitario de Aire Limpio está activado y disponible para la comunidad. Por favor, manténgase informado sobre las condiciones del clima y los incendios.

Stay safe and stay alert. | Manténgase seguro y alerta.

08/27/2026

Happy National Women’s Equality Day!

As many of you know, in addition to serving as your Mayor of Soledad, I am also proud to serve as District Director for State Senator Anna Caballero. Every day, I have the privilege of working alongside strong, dedicated women who are breaking barriers and continuing the fight for equality.

Here in Monterey County, we have 12 cities, yet only two are led by women mayors—myself and Sand City Mayor Mary Ann Carbone. While we celebrate the progress we’ve made, this reminds us that there is still important work ahead.

Women’s voices and leadership matter. We must continue advocating for equal representation at every level of government and in every space where decisions are made. Together, we can inspire the next generation of women leaders and build a future where leadership truly reflects the communities we serve.

Happy National Women’s Equity Day! 💜

On August 26, 1920, American women gained something generations before them had been denied: a voice in our democracy. The 19th Amendment was a historic victory, born from generations of women who organized, marched, and refused to accept that democracy was only for some.

Today, equality means having women in the room where decisions are made and that's why I’m proud of the women on my staff who bring their leadership and expertise to work every day. Thank you for making us stronger.

Let’s keep breaking barriers, opening doors, and ensuring that every woman finds and uses her voice.

08/26/2026

Thank you, Dolly Parton, for bringing your vision, created to honor your father to Monterey County through the Imagination Library. Because of your vision, so many South county children and families have the gift of books and the lifelong opportunity that comes with a love of reading.

Some people talk about making an impact. Dolly Parton simply did it.

Rest in peace, Dolly. You will be remembered with gratitude and admiration. 💙📚

To register your child for FREE book from age 0-5 years go to: https://first5monterey.org/imaginationlibrary/

08/25/2026

Attention, Soledad!

As your mayor, I serve on the Measure Q Oversight Committee, which oversees voter-approved transportation services for:
* Seniors age 65 and older
* Veterans
* People with disabilities

At our committee meeting today we reviewed several programs and initiatives: (see agenda for more details)

* Pilot Uber program: This new program will serve South County communities and includes a $50,000 contribution from Uber, in addition to Measure Q funding. It will be evaluated after six months. Residents who need transportation assistance are encouraged to register to determine their eligibility.

* Taxi Voucher Program: For South county cities this program has been challenging. Only one permit application was received from taxi service in King City and did not meet all requirements. This is why there was implementation of the Pilot Uber Program to better serve transportation needs of South Monterey County.

* MST RIDES Program and the Transportation Reimbursement Incentive Program (TRIPS).

* Measure Q Information Plan: This plan will help track participation and evaluate program effectiveness.

* Additional items: The committee discussed other matters related to Measure Q transportation services.

We also held a moment of silence to mourn the loss of U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Sid Williams, former Measure Q Board Chair and a dedicated advocate for transportation access. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, fellow service members, and all those who knew and respected him.

Go to website for additional information and committee report:https://mst.org/wp-content/media/Agenda_MQC-August-24-2026.pdf

08/25/2026

Reminder FREE Event! Know Your Rights Workshop on Wednesday, August 26th from 5:30-6:30pm!
Free consultations and family plan!

08/15/2026

08/12/2026

Please join our budget workshop tomorrow, August 12th at 6pm. This year we are facing budget reductions and your voice and priorities are important to hear!

This is our community and shaping Soledad’s future belongs to everyone!

08/12/2026

Porfavor acompáñame al taller sobre el presupuesto de la ciudad de Soledad, miércoles 12 de Agosto a las 6pm! Su Voz es importante para escuchar sus prioridades.

08/11/2026

Please take extra precautionary measures and lock your doors!

TAKE THE EXTRA SECOND.

We’ve recently seen an increase in items being stolen from unlocked vehicles in our community. An unlocked door can make your vehicle an easy target.

A few simple habits can help protect your vehicle:
Lock your doors and close all windows
Never leave valuables inside, even if they’re hidden
Remove keys, garage door openers, and important documents
Park in well lit, visible areas whenever possible
Use your garage when available
Stay alert and report suspicious activity

Before walking away, take the extra second to double check. Doors locked? Windows up? Valuables removed?

If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.