SALINAS – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Monday that an investigation into petition signatures collected by Protect Salinas Renters found insufficient evidence of patterned or intentional violation of election laws for continued investigation.
The inquiry came after allegations that the community organization, Protect Salinas Renters, was offering free food in exchange for signatures on a petition calling for a referendum on four rental protection ordinances, including rent stabilization last summer.
After the four ordinances were repealed in June 2025, Protect Salinas Renters filed a petition that gathered over 10,000 signatures – more than 3,000 over the number needed to call for a referendum – bringing the ordinances back to the city council for review. The city council voted on Sept. 23 to put the ordinances before Salinas voters on the November 2026 ballot.
However, the District Attorney’s Office received “multiple credible complaints” that the organization was offering free food at petition signing events, in potential violation of California Election Code §18603, which makes it a misdemeanor to offer money or other incentives – including food – in exchange for signatures.
Between Oct. 13-17, DA investigators knocked on the doors of 64 signatories and made calls to 222 people, reaching a total of 35 in person and 77 over the phone. Of those contacted, six said they believed free food was linked to signing the petition but none reported being told they had to sign to receive food.
While it was confirmed that Protect Salinas Renters paid food vendors at multiple petition sites, which according to the DA’s office should have been disclosed on the organization’s Form 460, investigators were unable to link this to a pattern of unlawful exchanges.
The DA reported that the review is now complete and no further action will be taken.
Chris Hamilton is a California Local News fellow covering Salinas and the Salinas Valley for The Herald.
