He is known for co-founding the comedy group, Culture Clash, with Richard Montoya, Herbert Siguenza and Jose Antonio Burciaga.
Salinas told Philip Kan Gotanda, "Back then there weren't very many Salvadoreños in the Mission District or in San Francisco, so I gravitated towards the Chicano movement,".
[7] This interest in the Chicano/Latino experience combined with his involvement in theater and performing led to the meeting of the fellow members of Culture Clash (originally called Comedy Fiesta).
He has acted in the films Encino Man, Hero, Mi Vida Loca, Camera Obscura, The 3 Wise Men, Culture Clash in AmeriCCa, Larry Crowne, and Lola's Love Shack.
[13] He has also appeared in the tv shows/shorts Great Performances, In Living Color, Culture Clash, Frank's Book, and Stunted.