I live not too far from Salinas. (We share the same news channel anyway.) I don't know of any specific language used there rather than other places. It's known for its gang problems, the prison, agriculture, 101 (freeway) and the Steinbeck Center. There is a huge Spanish-speaking migrant population.
The surrounding towns (especially the bay area) look down on Salinas as a pit - it has a reputation for gang killings, and most middle-class people would prefer not to be there after dark (although that is probably more about fear than actual danger - the gangs tend to shoot each other rather than random visitors).
If you have any specific questions, you can PM me. I may be able to answer them or perhaps point you in the right direction.
Rachel