Community Organizing: Soledad's Districting Journey

Social Justice & Activism

This workshop will explore the City of Soledad’s districting journey, highlighting the key moments, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the process. Participants will gain an overview of how districting efforts emerged, the factors that shaped decision-making, and the broader implications for representation and equity within the community. The discussion will also touch on the critical role of community organizing, emphasizing how residents came together to engage in the process and make their voices heard. In particular, the workshop will reference the communityled referendum that successfully stopped an ordinance, illustrating the power of collective action and civic participation. By examining Soledad’s experience, attendees will better understand how informed, organized communities can influence local governance and policy outcomes. This session aims to provide practical insights for educators, advocates, and community members interested in districting, grassroots organizing, and strengthening democratic engagement at the local level.

Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez

Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez is a lifelong resident of the City of Soledad with deep, multigenerational roots in the community. His family’s history reflects the immigrant experience, beginning with his maternal greatgrandfather’s participation in the Bracero Program and continuing through his grandparents’ and parents’ work in the agricultural fields around Soledad after immigrating from Guanajuato and Nayarit, Mexico in the 1980s. Fernando attended Soledad schools and graduated from Soledad High School in 2012. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz in 2015 and an M.A. in Education from San Diego State University in 2020. He currently works in higher education at Monterey Peninsula College. Prior to his election to City Council, Fernando served as Vice-Chair of both the Soledad Advisory Community Districting Committee and the General Plan Advisory Committee. His priorities include affordable housing, infrastructure investment, traffic safety, and prevention services that support safe neighborhoods.