The Salinas City Council approved Tuesday, May 5 an extended leave of absence for District 1 Councilman Jose Luis Barajas for medical reasons.
In an April 27 letter from Barajas’s legal counsel to city manager, Rene Mendez and city attorney, Christopher Callihan the councilman requested to be excused through June 30. During that period, he would be under medical care and unable to perform public duties, including attending regular city council meetings.
Under section 6.3 of the city code, a council member who is absent from three consecutive regular meetings would be subject to removal from their seat unless it was approved by the city council. The May 5 meeting was Barajas’s third missed meeting.
The requested leave of absence was due to a “qualifying serious health condition” as defined under the California Family Rights Act and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, the letter stated.
If Barajas’s “anticipated return date changes based on medical guidance, we will promptly inform you,” continued the letter, which was accompanied by a Certification of Health Care Provider document that was not publicly disclosed.
During the city council meeting, Callahan said regional boards and commissions that Barajas sits on would be filled by an alternate during his absence.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Salinas City Councilman Jose Luis Barajas on approved leave of absence
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
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