East Salinas business district’s plan to reinvent itself.

At City Hall, a group of East Salinas business owners begins to plot the course of a 10-year initiative to revamp their district. Members of the Salinas United Business Association (SUBA) sit at a U-shaped set of tables with city officials, health advocates, an affordable housing developer and the superintendent of the Alisal Union School District. SUBA members called the Nov. 18 meeting because they realize revitalizing the East Salinas business corridor is a much greater feat than they can handle alone.

But first, a name. After 20 minutes of debate, the group chooses Nuevo Alisal de Salinas (New Alisal of Salinas). The name describes a fresh direction for a historically neglected part of the city.

“Vision 2017” is the name of the 10-year initiative that aims to make the streets safe and clean up the business corridor’s image. One of the goals is to bring in new development, such as a financial services center, and attract customers from across the city and region.

The initiative won’t launch until January, but on Nov. 18 the steering committee was formed. If even some of its goals are accomplished, it could create a better quality of life for some of Salinas’ poorest residents.