Grassroots Snapshots profiles efforts of small, local organizations around the state to make a difference for children and families. By Melia Franklin Candelaria Garcia was nervous when she stood up at a city hearing to speak against the latest liquor license proposed for her East Salinas neighborhood. East Salinas, a low-income neighborhood that is home to most of the city's Latino population, had the highest concentration of bars and liquor stores in the city. Testimony from parents like Garcia has been key to winning the support of public officials, says Salinas city council member Jan Collins.
People come and speak from the heart.
It takes folks who live there to really make a difference. A few years ago, Salinas routinely approved all requests for alcohol permits. Now it turns down 80 percent. Two years ago, the group won its first big victory. A powerful developer wanted to anchor a proposed mall with a warehouse grocery store selling alcohol.