Salinas Underground

In this episode our guest is Salinas based hip-hop artist Longo. He is opening up for hip-hop legend KRS-One in Santa Cruz this week so we had him come on and talk about his expectations. We also discuss the struggle local hip-hop artists have booking shows in Salinas and who influenced his style on the mic. You can learn more about Longo and his music on the following links: https://soundcloud.com/longomusic https://www.facebook.com/LonGo-864728390267314/

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.

In this episode we talk about The Letters Home returning to the Public House and downtown Salinas. These guys showed up randomly on their way to a gig in San Francisco and ended up becoming an unofficial house band. We also get into Salinas's most interesting council-member and his upcoming appearance in front of a judge to face some very serious charges. Also, Oz talks about his discovery of grinding his own black pepper with peppercorn from Gold Leaf.

In this episode Oz talks about a conversation he had with an elementary school principal from the eastside. She said that kids in Salinas go to school for three reasons. The majority of kids go to school to learn, but their is a group of kids that go to school to get the love they are not getting at home and another group of kids that goes to school to be able to eat every day. When Oz was younger he was one of the kids that went to school mainly to have something to eat and he talks about how that conversation affected him.

In this episode we talk about the brunch offerings at Giorgio's and why you should be spending more time there. Also, how will the filming of the TV show "COPS" affect the already strained relations between the public and the police department and how does that filming add to the perception of this city. Finally, we ask, "why did Dubbers have to change their chili recipe?".

In this episode Cujo talks about a bacon and beer festival in San Jose. We also discuss our experience at a laser light show we attended at the Fox that was set to the music of Pink Floyd. We also talk about people coming over from the peninsula to drink in downtown Salinas and if it will be a continuing trend.

In this episode our guest is John Whitacre from Terroir Squad podcast. Terroir Squad is a brand new podcast that focuses on the growing wine scene in Monterey County. He and our very own Oz drink local wines and discuss them with the very people that produced it. Right now you can find it on Soundcloud, but look for it on Itunes, Stitcher or your favorite listening app very soon.

In this episode we interview Sam Shreder and Stan Khrapak, creators of the website FoodWeb.io which turns every gardener into a farmer. This easy-to-use website allows you to either buy locally grown produce or sell any extra fruits or vegetables from your own garden. It is a great website that allows you to get closer to the production of your food. It also creates a novel way for community gardens to sell some produce in order to maintain themselves instead of relying on donations and government grants. 

In this episode we experience why this is such a great community to live in. Oz attended a fundraiser for a 4 year old girl battling a rare type of cancer that was held at Wolf Fitness. We here Livy's story from her dad and talk to one of the coaches about Salinas and the awesome people that live here. We also get into a party filled weekend in downtown Salinas.

In this episode we discuss Salinas and soccer. This podcast came out of a blog that wrote about the local soccer scene and we still believe we have some of the most talented youth players in the nation. We discuss forum posts that compare Constitution Soccer Complex to Hackney Marshes in London and what the coming construction of new fields to the complex will do. Oz also lays out his idea of having a United Soccer League, third division, team playing at Rabobank Stadium.

Americans under the age of 35 are going to fix what is wrong with this country. We just need the older generations to get out of the way. We are the most tech savvy and connected generation in history and we think on a global scale. Sometimes we can get a little to involved in popular culture, but it is a culture that was created and maintained by older generations.