Salinas Underground

This episode has a sensational title, but the conversation was rarely dramatic. In this episode our guest is Lili Muñoz, who is a long-time friend of Oz and a graduate of CSUMB. Lili's capstone at CSUMB was titled "Whiteness in Contemporary American Media" and talks about the inequalities and misrepresentations minorities still deal with when portrayed in the media. A heavy topic that should have been explored in great detail. Unfortunately the mild Salinas weather, and a couple of adult beverages, led the conversation from terrible first dates to K-Pop. Truly a unique episode that you must indulge in.

This episode was recorded at the Press Club in Seaside. They are hosting a monthly open mic every first Friday of the month so we went to check out the first one of the year. We talk to a girl named Amy who is in a Bluegrass band but played some music she described as string punk. We also talk to Daniel Vorhies, the man responsible for the event, about the struggle to get the show going and what he expects in the future.

In this special, shorter episode we introduce a new segment to the podcast called "Road Trip". In this segment our friend Rob will visit restaurants in Salinas and around the county and share his dining experience. We hope to introduce you to some new dining options or let you re-live an old favorite. We will be releasing these both on their own and as part of the regular show so make sure you subscribe to never miss and episode.

In this episode our guest is Joey Espinoza, a medical marijuana advocate that is helping guide Salinas implement rules for medical marijuana dispensaries. We discuss what the new regulations mean for Salinas and how they are unique from other parts of the state. This conversation is full of first hand information and a great way to quickly learn about the upcoming changes, including a city-wide vote that will finalize the whole process.

In this episode our guest is Zach from Strawberry Girls. They area Salinas based rock trio that is about to embark on their second national tour. We talk about the origins of the band and their plans for the future. We also discuss the Salinas music scene that usually has to leave the city to find a venue to play. We also talk about our favorite new topic, the great food we have here in Salinas. Zach also describes his favorite dish in town that you can find at Pica Fresh in downtown Salinas.

In this episode of Salinas Underground we welcome back Mike PZ. The last time Mike was on the show we described him as the busiest musician in Salinas. It looks like he has maintained that pace as he talks about the four projects he is currently working on along with weekly shows and a full-time job. Oz also talks about his magical experience at Salinas City BBQ and then we get into a discussion of what ingredients the "official" Salinas salad would have.

In this episode we discuss the coming expansion and renovation at Northridge Mall. The whole place is set for a $40 million makeover that will see a new building added to the current facility. We also discuss El Canto Del Colibri, a documentary about LGBT people coming out to their immigrant fathers. Oz's kindergarten teacher made a point to go to the Public House to deliver some posters about the film which will be screened for free on Friday at Maya Cinemas.

In this episode we welcome our friend Rachel Duchak aka Central Coast Foodie. Rachel runs a website that covers the food scene on the Central Coast from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. We sit down with a pizza and bruschetta from Giorgios at 201 Main, a couple of hot dogs from Dubbers, and a delicious variety of treats from Blue Aces Bake Shoppe.

In this episode Oz and Cujo discuss the recent city ordinance that allows for 3 medical marijuana dispensaries and commercial cultivation in Salinas. It is a sudden and weird shift in city that is usually a politically conservative town. Oz also wonders about the Weekly's apparent loathing of this change.

It is a new year and we have a new episode for all of you! In this episode we discuss an e-mail that nearly moved us to tears. We started this podcast with two goals: change how people view Salinas and possibly give one of the talented youths from this city a chance to showcase those talents in college. Well, after reading this e-mail it looks like one of those goals might be closer to reality than we ever thought.