Monterey County’s Latino base is at its strongest in Salinas and the South County (see table, p. 20). It’s also a political force to be reckoned with on the Monterey Peninsula, but that growing population isn’t necessarily reflected in the faces of local elected officials.

Seaside has the highest Hispanic/Latino population on the Peninsula, at almost 40 percent – but with the defeat of former mayor Ralph Rubio in November, the Seaside City Council lost its only Hispanic representation.

Pacific Grove, on the other hand, has one of the smallest Hispanic/Latino demographics, at less than 8 percent. Yet it’s one of only two Peninsula cities with a Hispanic mayor, Carmelita Garcia. Marina has the other in Bruce Delgado, who is half Mexican.

Last November, Garcia attended a National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials program in Washington, D.C. She says the experience opened her eyes to the political power of her demographic.

“The Latino voice has always been there, but it’s always been very quiet,” she says. “It’s almost as if there’s a new awakening, because the Latino elected officials are gaining momentum in our elected positions, and we’re giving a voice to that quiet population.

“The Latino vote is very large and strong and very influential,” she adds. “That’s a direct result of the outreach and education to Latinos to understand not only their right to vote, but also what they’re voting for.”

Although Latino officials are in short supply on the Peninsula, Garcia sees strong political influence stemming from the Monterey branch of the League of United Latin American Citizens and UNITE HERE! Local 483 in Pacific Grove, which represents the largely Latino hospitality workforce.

If there’s one issue that unites the Peninsula’s Hispanic leaders, she says, it’s support for the Regional Desalination Project: “The community understands that without water it would impact hospitality and tourism, which are their livelihoods.”