Chanting “Vote for me, yes on V” Alisal High students marched on November 3, 2005, to Cesar Chavez library. They wanted the community to know about the importance of Voting Yes on Measure V. “I feel that it is necessary for the community to know the importance of their vote and the motive behind the measure,” said senior, Stephanie Shaw. Mr. Pizarro and his government students organized this event

Measure V proposes a half-cent sales tax to keep Salinas’ vital services running. Currently there is a 7.25% sale tax and Measure V will raise it up to 7.3%. This means that if a person buys something for two dollars, 1 cent will be added to the sales tax for Measure V. Some services are keeping all three libraries open, crime and gang violence prevention, graffiti removal, parks and recreation center funding, and hiring more fire fighters. Measure V ends automatically in ten years.

“Many students aren’t aware of what’s going on in our community and it’s necessary for us to do something about issues that are directly going affect us and younger generations in the future,” said senior, Jessica Contreras. The government students went to great lengths to inform the student community about Measure V. They made went to classrooms and presented information on Measure V hoping to recruit students.

Students had a rally at Cesar E. Chavez library. Nine government students, including Christian Alarcon, Stephanie Shaw, Heart Castillo, and Jessica Contreras, to convince voters to vote yes on V. Contreras argued that libraries are necessary to people who do not have a place to study or a computer at home. Cardona, wanted the libraries open because she wanted her younger siblings to have the same great experiences at the library like she once had.



Ana Caballero, the mayor of Salinas, thanked the students for making this event possible. “Without you these measures don’t stand a chance, it would be impossible to get the message out,” said Caballero. Assemblyman Simon Salinas came out to support Alisal students. Council members Sergio Sanchez and Roberto Ocampo, and John Nolan went to support the rally. “Your faith and activism will keep this libraries open,” said Nolan.

The March and Rally overall was a success.” This was a great learning experience. Not verymany people pick up a sign and yell to try to influence people,” said Pizarro.