Dangerous herbicide used on California crops banned
SALINAS VALLEY ā A dangerous herbicide banned immediately by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been sprayed on crops in many California counties and has contaminated groundwater in low concentrations in the Salinas Valley and Santa Barbara County.
The weed-killing chemical, known as DCPA or...
Salinas Valley Fair Kick-Off builds excitement for 2025 āBerry Best Fairā
SALINAS VALLEY ā Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City were buzzing last month as the annual Fair Kick-Off event drew more than 600 guests and set an enthusiastic tone for the upcoming 81st Salinas Valley Fair, scheduled for May 15-18.
Organized by the Salinas Valley...
Women in agtech: Fatma Kaplan
Editorās Note: The following profile is an excerpt from Amy Wuās book, āFrom Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators Revolutionizing How Our Food is Grown,ā which tells the stories of women entrepreneurs who are transforming agriculture through high technology.
Fatma Kaplanās advice to her younger self...
South Monterey Countyās first marijuana dispensary opens
GREENFIELD ā South Monterey Countyās first marijuana dispensary has opened for business in Greenfield, selling recreational cannabis products in the area.
Higher Level, a locally owned cannabis retailer with operations in Seaside and Hollister, opened its third location in Greenfield earlier this month. A grand...
Carli Hammond crowned Miss Salinas Valley Fair 2022
SALINAS VALLEY ā Monterey County Home Charter School senior Carli Hammond was crowned 2022 Miss Salinas Valley Fair after competing against one other girl in such areas as personality, scholastic ability, poise and horsemanship.
The annual contest took place at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in...
Greenfield High receives Farm to School grant
GREENFIELD ā South Monterey County Joint Union High School District (SMCJUHSD) will launch two farm-to-cafeteria educational programs between Greenfield High School and the districtās Food Services Department.
The first-of-its-kind collaboration was made possible by a new grant from the California Department of Food and Agricultureās...
Smith Family Wines discontinues wine production
After 30 years of making its own wine, Smith Family Wines will discontinue producing the Paraiso, Irie and Alexander-Smith labels and close the tasting room at the Paraiso Vineyards on Paraiso Springs Road in Soledad.
South County Farm Day 2026 brings agriculture to life for students
SALINAS VALLEY ā Hundreds of South Monterey County third graders took part in the 2026 South County Farm Day on Jan. 22 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, getting a hands-on introduction to agriculture, public safety and local resources.
The annual event, hosted...
Farm tour in Soledad highlights benefits of investing in agricultural development
SOLEDAD ā U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta met with leaders from Braga Fresh and Farm Journal Foundation on Oct. 9 to discuss how support for agricultural research and development can benefit global food and nutrition security.
The meeting included a tour of Braga Freshās produce farming...
Monterey County farmers estimate $336M in losses from recent storms
SALINAS VALLEY ā A flood damage survey on Monterey County agriculture shows $336 million in estimated losses from Januaryās storms, with the costliest impacts in South Monterey County.
Monterey County Agricultural Commissionerās Office has released the initial results of the online survey, which launched Jan....
Local News
Taqueria Pacheco in Soledad remains a community favorite after 15 years
The one thing about living in South Monterey County is the joy of discovering hidden gems throughout the tri cities in Soledad, Gonzales and...






















