Simón Salinas Biography

Supervisor Simón Salinas was born in Slayton, Texas – one of twelve children of migrant farmworkers. He graduated from Watsonville High School and then attended Claremont McKenna College where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Latin American Studies.  Salinas went on to earn a Teaching Credential from San Jose State University and a Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law.

Simón Salinas taught sixth grade in California’s classrooms, giving him hands-on experience inside the State’s educational system. Following his years teaching in elementary classrooms he went on to become a professor at Hartnell Community College.

Salinas began his public service career in June 1989 when he was elected the first Mexican-American to serve on the Salinas City Council.  During his tenure with the City of Salinas, Salinas served as Mayor Pro-Tem. He was elected to represent District One on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in1993, where once again he was the first Mexican-American in over 100 years to serve on this body. He was re-elected in 1997 and served as Chair of the Board in 1998.

Simón Salinas was sworn in to represent the 28th District in the California State Assembly on December 4, 2000. He served for six years before term limits took effect. His impressive record in the Assembly included passing legislation which addressed issues of public safety, affordable housing, agriculture, healthcare, education, transportation, and local government.  For his leadership on these and many other issues, he was named “Legislator of the Year” by numerous organizations, including the California Transit Association, the League of California Cities, and the American Planning Association. He also received the 2005 Legislative Leadership Award from ACWA, the Association of California Water Agencies.

On January 9, 2007 Simón Salinas once again took the oath of office to become a Monterey County Supervisor, this time representing District Three. Reflecting the most pressing needs of the Third District, Supervisor Salinas has concentrated his efforts on the issues of community safety, economic development, health care, affordable housing, transportation, and agricultural viability.  Supervisor Salinas grew up in this beautiful state and understands the unique issues we face, especially those issues that impact Central California.  He is the parent of one child, a son who is heading off to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall. Simón wants to make sure his son, and all of California’s sons and daughters have a first-class education, from kindergarten through college and that they enter the workforce in a California that is safe and economically vibrant.