Salinas councilman’s request for lower bail denied

Officials with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said that a judge denied Salinas councilman Jose Castaneda’s request for a lower bail on Thursday.

Castaneda was arrested earlier this year for an incident involving an ex-girlfriend. His charges include domestic battery and stalking. His bail is currently set at $100,000.

Castaneda spent about 24 hours in jail last September and posted the amount he was required to pay to get out with help from his supporters, according to attorney Anthony Prince.

According to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Castaneda’s lawyer requested that his bail be lowered or that Castaneda be released on his own reconnaissance. However, that motion was denied.

Castaneda is expected to be back in court on January 10. His trial is expected to start on February 6.