SOLEDAD — Soledad city leaders recently hosted a state of the city address, with the proceedings taking place virtually through Zoom and Facebook streaming.
“Tonight’s state of the city is about coming together as a community to begin the healing process for the pain and suffering we have endured this past year,” said Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez on April 29. “We are living in the most difficult crisis in our lifetime, and through it all we have not only shown resilience but equally the tenacity and optimism to move our community forward.”
Velazquez said Soledad has “never given up hope that there will be a better tomorrow.”
“Despite the chaos of the moment, we have held onto optimism to hope and a belief in the opportunity for a better day,” she said. “Although we have been through much, as we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s important that we never forget the role that so many have played in making Soledad residents overcome this crisis.”
According to City Manager Brent Slama, progress continued throughout the city despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and health restrictions.
“As our city begins the process of moving forward from the current pandemic, I want you to know that your city government has never stopped working for you during this crisis, recognizing that one day soon we will all get the opportunity to again enjoy each other’s company,” Slama said.
He noted the past year’s progress as the city moved toward the opening of the Premiere Cinemas complex, the Soledad Marketplace Shopping Center, and a new business center for Front Street businesses planned for the summer.
“We also spent a lot of time focused on future recreational opportunities and developing our own recreational department,” Slama said. “For that reason, we have taken the community center and will have a recreation department that will allow us to create new opportunities for our community.”
Velazquez recognized the community involvement by those who work to make their city a better place.
“Tonight is about honoring you and everything you have done to strengthen our community so we can move forward, whether it was serving as our frontline workers, serving as a teacher or even keeping our store open to provide us with the resources that we needed,” she said. “All of it together created the environment of love and support that helped our community move forward.”
Several community hero awards were presented — not only by Councilmember Marisela Lara, but also by Youth Council leaders Amber Solorio and Sofia Vargas — to honor individuals they recognized as having gone above and beyond in supporting Soledad.
“These individuals are a testament to everything that is right about Soledad and why we will always be the city where it’s always happening,” Velazquez said. “We have much to celebrate and much to be thankful for.”
Slama noted the city has created a community engagement position tasked in building stronger relationships with the community and letting residents know about programs.
“As difficult as this year has been, I am optimistic and excited about what tomorrow has to offer our city,” he said.
