Castaneda group investigated for election violations

The Fair Political Practices Commission says Salinas councilman Jose Castaneda’s election committee violated the Political Reform Act.

That means he could now face fines. Castaneda already owes the city of Salinas $5,000 for not relinquishing his Alisal School Board seat when he was elected to the city council.

The agency investigated the ‘Friends to Elect Jose Castaneda’ group after getting a tip that his group didn’t file campaign statements.

The commission says Castaneda is liable for the mistake and fines for each violation is $5,000.

Once Castaneda submits the documents, the fines could will be reduced.

Castaneda has told News Channel 5 that he doesn’t have the means to pay his fine to the city.