Mensaje Comunitario de John Kariotis — Elección del Distrito de Servicios Comunitarios de Salton 2026
Durante varios años, muchos residentes de West Shores han sentido una creciente división causada por las acciones y decisiones del Distrito de Servicios Comunitarios de Salton. La gente está frustrada, y con razón. Cuando los vecinos comienzan a sentirse ignorados, desatendidos o descartados, toda la comunidad se ve afectada.
Quiero hablar con honestidad sobre las preocupaciones que he escuchado y los temas que más importan.
Preocupaciones sobre la prestación de servicios
Los residentes han expresado repetidamente inquietudes sobre la calidad, el costo y la equidad de los servicios esenciales: recolección de basura, mantenimiento de parques e infraestructura de alcantarillado. La comunidad quiere servicios confiables, acceso equitativo y comunicación clara sobre cómo se utiliza su dinero.
Transparencia financiera
Existen dudas desde hace tiempo sobre cómo el Distrito administra su presupuesto, cómo se establecen las prioridades de gasto y por qué la información financiera suele ser difícil de obtener. Las agencias públicas deben ser transparentes, responsables y responder oportunamente cuando los residentes solicitan información.
Toma de decisiones e inclusión comunitaria
Muchos residentes se sienten excluidos de decisiones que afectan directamente sus vidas. Algunas decisiones parecen favorecer a ciertos grupos mientras dejan atrás a otros. Un distrito saludable requiere participación abierta, procesos democráticos y liderazgo que valore todas las voces.
Comunicación y alcance comunitario
Demasiadas personas se sienten desinformadas o ignoradas. La comunicación debe ser oportuna, respetuosa y accesible — no algo que los residentes tengan que perseguir o esperar durante semanas.
Proyectos que nunca se materializaron
Varios proyectos han generado frustración y confusión:
Una zona de juegos acuáticos prometida que nunca apareció — sin explicación clara sobre dónde quedó el financiamiento.
Un edificio metálico en el Parque de Salton City que no puede obtener permisos debido a problemas de construcción, ahora utilizado como almacén en lugar de beneficiar a la comunidad.
Planes recreativos que no incluyen a residentes con discapacidades, personas mayores o familias que necesitan espacios accesibles.
Acceso a la costa subdesarrollado, a pesar del potencial para actividades como navegación, observación de aves y áreas de reunión comunitaria.
Estas oportunidades perdidas afectan la confianza y la calidad de vida de nuestra comunidad.
Una visión de lo que nuestra comunidad podría ser
Creo que West Shores puede ser un lugar donde la imaginación, la accesibilidad y el orgullo comunitario se unan.
Imagina:
Un anfiteatro comunitario donde los jóvenes puedan presentarse, las familias reunirse y se realicen conciertos.
Un sendero de caminata y acondicionamiento físico diseñado para todas las edades y habilidades — personas mayores, atletas y residentes con discapacidades.
Rampas y muelles funcionales que permitan usar el cuerpo de agua que tenemos frente a nosotros.
Una isla peatonal creada mediante alianzas con agencias estatales y federales — un espacio para observar aves, hacer picnics y realizar eventos comunitarios.
Recreación que sea inclusiva, accesible y construida con la participación de la comunidad, no a puertas cerradas.
Estas ideas no son irreales. Solo requieren liderazgo dispuesto a trabajar, colaborar y pensar más allá del mismo patrón de siempre.
Cualidades que importan en un miembro de la Junta
La gente suele preguntar qué cualidades son más importantes para alguien que sirve en la Junta del Distrito de Servicios Comunitarios de Salton. Estos son los estándares que yo mismo sigo:
Trabajo en equipo — colaborar, no confrontar.
Profesionalismo — conducir las reuniones con respeto e integridad.
Accesibilidad — reunirse con cualquier residente, incluso cuando no estemos de acuerdo.
Presencia comunitaria — estar en los vecindarios, no solo detrás de un escritorio.
Respeto — honrar las decisiones de la junta y nunca atacar a residentes o colegas en redes sociales.
Historial de participación — involucrarse en la comunidad mucho antes de decidir postularse.
Transparencia — comunicarse abiertamente con residentes y partes interesadas.
Mi nombre es John Kariotis, y estos son los principios que aporto.
Quiero un Distrito donde los residentes no tengan que esperar semanas para obtener registros públicos, donde los presupuestos sean claros, donde las demandas legales no consuman decenas de miles de dólares y donde el Condado no tenga que intervenir por mal uso de fondos.
Quiero un Distrito que escuche. Quiero un Distrito que sirva. Quiero un Distrito que una.
Si deseas hablar sobre lo que te gustaría ver en nuestra comunidad, estoy aquí. Estoy abierto a la conversación, a las ideas y comprometido a construir un futuro que refleje las voces de West Shores.
Bringing transparency and accountability to the Salton Community Services District.
Community Message from John Kariotis — 2026 Salton Community Services District Election
For several years now, many residents across the West Shores have felt the growing divide created by the actions and decisions of the Salton Community Services District. People are frustrated, and they have every right to be. When neighbors begin to feel unheard, underserved, or dismissed, it affects the entire community.
I want to speak honestly about the concerns I’ve heard and the issues that matter most.
Service Delivery Concerns
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the quality, cost, and fairness of essential services — waste collection, park maintenance, and sewer infrastructure. People want reliable services, equitable access, and clear communication about how their money is being used.
Financial Transparency
There are long‑standing questions about how the District manages its budget, how spending priorities are set, and why financial information is often difficult to obtain. Public agencies must be transparent, accountable, and responsive when residents ask for information.
Decision‑Making & Community Inclusion
Many residents feel excluded from decisions that directly affect their lives. Some decisions appear to favor certain groups while leaving others behind. A healthy district requires open participation, democratic processes, and leadership that values every voice.
Communication & Outreach
Too many people feel uninformed or unheard. Communication should be timely, respectful, and accessible — not something residents have to chase or wait weeks for.
Projects That Never Materialized
Several projects have caused frustration and confusion:
A promised splash pad that never appeared — with no clear explanation of where the funding went.
A metal building at Salton City Park that cannot be permitted due to construction issues, now used for storage instead of community benefit.
Recreation plans that do not include disabled residents, seniors, or families who need accessible spaces.
Shoreline access that remains underdeveloped, despite the potential for boating, birdwatching, and community gathering areas.
These missed opportunities have real impacts on our community’s trust and quality of life.
A Vision for What Our Community Could Be
I believe the West Shores can be a place where imagination, accessibility, and community pride come together.
Imagine:
A community amphitheater where youth can perform, families can gather, and concerts can be held.
A walking and fitness trail designed for all ages and abilities — seniors, athletes, and disabled residents alike.
Functional boat launches and docks that allow us to use the body of water we live beside.
A pedestrian island created through partnerships with state and federal agencies — a place for birdwatching, picnics, and community events.
Recreation that is inclusive, accessible, and built with community input, not behind closed doors.
These ideas are not unrealistic. They simply require leadership willing to work, collaborate, and think beyond the status quo.
Qualities That Matter in a Board Member
People often ask what qualities are most important for someone serving on the Salton Community Services District Board. Here are the standards I hold myself to:
Teamwork — working collaboratively, not combatively.
Professionalism — conducting meetings with respect and integrity.
Accessibility — meeting with any resident, even when we disagree.
Community presence — being out in the neighborhoods, not just behind a desk.
Respect — honoring board decisions and never attacking residents or colleagues online.
History of involvement — showing up for the community long before deciding to run.
Transparency — communicating openly with residents and stakeholders.
My name is John Kariotis, and these are the principles I bring to the table.
I want a District where residents don’t wait weeks for public records, where budgets are clear, where lawsuits don’t drain tens of thousands of dollars, and where the County doesn’t have to intervene because of misused funds.
I want a District that listens. I want a District that serves. I want a District that unites.
If you want to talk about what you’d like to see happen in our community, I’m here. I’m open to conversation, open to ideas, and committed to building a future that reflects the voices of the West Shores.
The Salton Community Services District (SCSD) is authorized to provide five (5) official services, as established by Imperial County LAFCO on October 27, 2005.
The Five Official SCSD Services
Sewage Services — Collecting, treating, and disposing of wastewater.
Solid Waste Services — Collecting, transferring, and disposing of trash and refuse.
Recreation Facility Development — Acquiring and constructing recreation facilities.
Community Recreation Programs — Organizing and promoting community recreation activities.
Lighting & Landscaping Improvements — Acquiring, constructing, and improving public lighting and landscaping.
Additional Operational Areas
While not part of the five formal LAFCO‑authorized services, SCSD also operates:
Parks & Recreation (two parks)
Architectural Committee (reviews building/permit matters)
These are operational functions, but the five LAFCO‑approved services remain the official legal authority of the District.
Building accountability between the Salton Community Services District and the community requires a multi-pronged approach. Here's John Kariotis’ plan outlining some potential strategies:
Transparency and Communication:
Regular Meetings and Updates: Hold frequent board meetings open and accessible to the public, at a time when they can attend, with clear agendas and opportunities for public comment. Provide regular updates on projects, finances, and decisions through various channels like newsletters, social media, and the district website.
Accessible Information: Ensure all district information, including budgets,meeting minutes, and contracts, is readily available online and in physical formats in accessible locations. Translate important documents into relevant languages.
Proactive Outreach: Organize community forums, town halls, and Q&A sessions to actively engage residents and answer their questions directly. Utilize diverse communication channels to reach different population segments.
Community Engagement and Collaboration:
Citizen Advisory Committees: Establish committees with diverse community representation to advise the board on key issues and projects. Ensure their recommendations are genuinely considered and communicated back to the public.
Participatory Budgeting: Allocate a portion of the budget for community-driven projects, allowing residents to vote on priorities and proposals. This empowers the community and promotes ownership of district decisions.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Partner with local non-profits, community organizations, and businesses to engage broader segments of the community and leverage diverse perspectives.
Oversight and Performance Measurement:
Performance Metrics: Define clear performance metrics for key services and goals, track progress regularly, and publicly report on results. This allows the community to assess the district's effectiveness and hold them accountable.
Independent Audits: Conduct regular independent audits of the district's finances and operations to ensure transparency and identify potential issues.Share audit reports publicly with clear explanations.
Complaint Procedures: Establish clear and accessible complaint procedures for residents to address concerns about services, decisions, or staff conduct. Ensure complaints are promptly investigated and addressed.
Strengthening Board Responsibilities:
Board Member Training: Implement training programs for board members on topics like ethics, effective communication, and community engagement.
Term Limits: Consider implementing reasonable term limits for board members to encourage fresh perspectives and avoid potential power imbalances.
Code of Conduct: Establish a clear code of conduct for board members, outlining ethical expectations and potential consequences for violations.
My Canidate’s Statement:
As a resident of West Shores, I am committed to enhancing our community’s well-being. With your support, I aim to contribute to the following key areas:
Infrastructure Improvement:
I will advocate for modernizing our sewage systems, ensuring efficient waste management, and maintaining clean water sources.
Let’s invest in recreation facilities that promote health, fitness, and community bonding.
Environmental Stewardship:
I believe in sustainable practices. Let’s protect our unique environment around the Salton Sea.
Community Engagement:
I value transparency and collaboration. I’ll actively engage with residents, listening to your concerns and ideas.
Together, we can create a vibrant community where everyone feels heard and included.
Emergency Preparedness:
Safety is paramount. I’ll support emergency response planning, ensuring our community is resilient during crises.
Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility:
Transparency in financial matters is essential, and I’ll keep you informed.
Vote for progress, vote for community-driven leadership. Together, we can build a stronger West Shores Community Together. I ask for your vote in the November 2026 election.
John Kariotis Candidate for the Salton Community Services District
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