SALINAS — California Rodeo Salinas contributed $796,337 to local nonprofits, Western industry groups and community organizations in 2024, representing a 3.28% increase from last year’s donations, which had previously set the record for the highest contribution.
Key factors driving this increase include the addition of more events during Big Week, contributions to VetTix, expanded scholarship funds and the creation of additional volunteer opportunities for local organizations. The total also reflects discounted facility rentals and complimentary tickets provided to support community initiatives.
The donations were generated through the efforts of various groups who managed parking lots, sold concessions, ushered guests and performed many other vital roles during events organized by the California Rodeo Association from October 2023 to September 2024.
Beneficiaries of these funds include Aerial Theatrical; California High School Rodeo District 4; the Filipino Community of Salinas Valley; First Tee of Monterey; Hope, Horses & Kids; IMUA Volleyball Foundation; North Salinas High School Band; Ranch San Juan FFA; Monterey Bay Veterans; Sun Street Centers; and the Grower Shipper Association Foundation. A complete list of recipients can be found at carodeo.com.
“We are thrilled to see our donations surpass last year’s total, which was our highest to date,” said Steve Davis, president of the California Rodeo Salinas. “Giving back to local nonprofits and organizations that help preserve the Western lifestyle and support our events is a source of great pride for us.”
Representatives from over 20 organizations received their checks on Sept. 19, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Rodeo Association for their part in funding uniforms, facility improvements, transportation, travel, scholarships, leadership training, education and other enrichment opportunities.
California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. The 115th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 17-20, 2025.
How pathetic, pretending to do good while torturing and killing innocent animals! The Salinas rodeo is notorious for brutalizing and killing countless animals throughout the years! Rodeo is the most abhorrent form of animal cruelty, all humane organizations worldwide condemn rodeos for its inherited cruelty to animals, including the HSUA and ASPCA. Rodeo proponents rely on lies, deceiving, and misleading the public about the horrible injuries and deaths they inflict upon gentle, docile, domesticated animals. As long as this barbaric spectacle is allowed to continue, many more innocent animals will continue to suffer horribly and die.
It’s called “BLOOD MONEY,” folks. Nearly every animal welfare organization on Earth condemns rodeos due to their inherent cruelty. I was present at the 1995 California Rodeo/Salinas when FIVE animals suffered and died, two on the racetrack, three in the arena. A roping calf with a broken back was not immediately euthanized, but simply trucked off to slaughter, terrified and in agony. “Painkillers administered?” I asked the attending veterinarian. “No,” he responded, “that would ruin the meat.” Unbelievable!
Only in the aftermath of the mayhem did the PRCA begin to require on-site veterinarians at all their 600+ annual rodeos. The great majority of the estimated 2,000 U.S. rodeos don’t provide even this basic care, shamefully. LEGISLATION IS IN ORDER: LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL. In the interim, BOYCOTT ALL RODEOS, THEIR CORPORATE SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS. FOLLOW THE MONEY.
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) outlawed all of rodeo back in 1934 due to the cruelty involved. Can the U.S. and the rest of the world be far behind? Relatedly, see prize-winning rodeo short, “BUCKING TRADITION” – http://www.buckingtradition.com (also available on YouTube).
Nope, sorry. This is bloody money, sometimes literally. Raising money by tormenting animals for “fun” in the rodeo is egregious and unacceptable. There are plenty of ways to raise funds other than putting animals’ lives at risk.
I am writing in regards to your coverage of the Salinas Rodeo. From where I stand, it appears your coverage supports and glamorizes this event, most likely because it brings in significant revenue to the city of Salinas. But make no mistake–this is blood money. Rodeos are cruel and inhumane, and there is no way to justify this ‘sport’. Rodeos are nothing more than sanctioned animal abuse, plain and simple. Let me provide you with just one example, calf roping (and I quote PETA):
I ask you, would you accept a dog or cat being treated this way? Or even a human being? I think we know the answer. And this is just one example of the type of torture and abuse that the animals suffer at the hands of rodeo “cowboys”. Other forms are steer tripping, steer wrestling, bull riding, mutton busting (for children), etc.
So, instead of news stories that present the rodeo as a fun and happy place to enjoy with the entire family, why not do some actual investigative reporting and cover (or uncover) the truth? Your viewing public deserves to know what really takes place. You can provide a real service to not only the animals but our local community by presenting the reality of this barbaric tradition, and giving your viewers the choice to boycott cruelty by staying home.
In closing, I present you with this quote from late Cesar Chavez: “Kindness and compassion towards all living things is the mark of a civilized society…racism, economic deprival, dog fighting and cock fighting, bullfighting and rodeos are cut from the same fabric of violence. Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life we will have learned to live well ourselves. “
There is no arguing with this logic. I implore you to lead by example and expose the rodeo for what it truly is. Thank you.