This month’s focus is on everyday security: keeping life in Monterey County livable and ensuring our systems treat people with dignity.
In this post: 3 priority actions (plus a 2-minute clean water bonus)
TRUTH Act hearing: show up for transparency and immigrant protections (Jan 27)
Cal-Am rate case: demand fair rates and accountability at the CPUC (Jan 28)
Cost of living forum: register and bring a friend (Feb 5)
Bonus: protect clean water (2 minutes)
TRUTH Act hearing: transparency and accountability (Jan 27)
Monterey County will hold a public TRUTH Act presentation and hearing, during which local agencies must report on ICE access/cooperation, and the public can comment.
Why this matters: This is a clear moment of public accountability—where residents can demand transparency and strong civil rights protections.
Attend and give public comment (in person)
Plan to join around 1:30 pm and stay through the TRUTH Act item. You can log off after you comment.
Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026 at 1:30 pm
Board of Supervisors Chambers
168 W. Alisal St., 1st Floor, Salinas
Can’t attend in person? Watch live online
Monterey County Government Channel: www.mgtvonline.org
Monterey County Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCoInfo/
Monterey County YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MontereyCountyTV
Comment remotely via Zoom
Zoom link: https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/224397747
Prefer an email comment instead?
Click the button below to open a pre-drafted email (you can edit it before sending).
Email your comment by 5:00 pm Monday (the day before the meeting) to: cob@countyofmonterey.gov
Use this subject line: Board of Supervisors Agenda – Item 18 – TRUTH Act / ICE Access Report (Jan 27, 2026)
Simple comment idea (30 seconds):
“I’m asking Monterey County for full transparency and strong civil rights protections. Please report all ICE access or cooperation clearly, and ensure county policies and data practices are not used to enable intimidation, profiling, unnecessary detention, or civil immigration enforcement.”
Hold Cal-Am accountable: protect affordability at the CPUC (Jan 28)
California-American Water is asking the CPUC to approve major revenue increases for 2027–2029. In a region already facing extreme cost pressures, any significant bill increase must come with strong protections for low-income customers and households on fixed incomes, clear justification, and real accountability.
Why this matters: Water is a basic need. Rate decisions should prioritize families, seniors, and renters.
Take action (and share with a friend)
Option A: Submit a written comment (5 minutes)
Option B: Speak at the virtual Public Participation Hearing
Set aside 30–60 minutes; your spoken comment is usually 1–2 minutes.
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm or 6:00 pm
Call 800-857-1917, passcode 1673482#, then press *1 to speak
(View-only webcast is available via the CPUC listing.)
Simple script (edit as you like):
“Hello, my name is ___ and I’m a Cal-Am customer in (zip). I’m asking the CPUC to put households first in this case. If increases are approved, they must include strong protections for low-income customers and people on fixed incomes, clear and transparent explanations of how bills will change, and proof that costs are reasonable and necessary. Please require accountability and cost controls so customers aren’t asked to absorb avoidable expenses.”
Bonus (2 minutes): protect clean water
A proposed federal rule could weaken the Clean Water Act by limiting how states and tribes review water-quality impacts from major projects.
Cost of living is a freedom issue: join the Feb 5 forum (virtual)
PG Progressives members have been collaborating with Project Plenty and the CA Democratic Party Progressive Caucus to elevate people-centered policy. Rent, utility bills, healthcare, and time poverty determine who gets to stay here and how stable daily life feels.
Statewide Issue Forum: Cost of Living, Dignity & the Future of California (about 90 minutes)
Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm PT (virtual)
Register: https://www.projectplenty.org/events
Invite one friend who cares about financial accessibility.
Thank you for showing up for fair costs, dignity, and accountability in Monterey County.
P.S. Please don’t do this alone. Forward this post to one friend or neighbor. Then pick a time together to submit comments, attend the hearing, and register for the forum. Together, we can turn our concern into positive change.
