Hartnell College awarded $9.5M grant to support students in agricultural careers
SALINAS ā Hartnell College has been awarded a $9.5 million grant from the USDAās National Institute of Food and Agricultureās inaugural NEXTGEN program.
The official announcement was made during a presentation by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington, D.C., on June 20.
āThis...
Grant helps agricultural workers succeed at Hartnell
SALINAS VALLEY ā Hartnell College announced it has received a multi-year grant of $260,000 from Bank of America that will strengthen its ability to help Salinas Valley agricultural workers succeed and advance in an industry increasingly shaped by technology and automation.
The grant will support...
Public input sought on Salinas Valley Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plans
SALINAS VALLEY ā Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) Board of Directors on Aug. 12 approved Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) drafts to be released for public comment for the following subbasins: Eastside, Forebay, Langley and Upper Valley.
This comes after the 180/400 Foot Aquifer...
Thousands of respirator masks distributed to Salinas Valley agricultural workers
SALINAS VALLEY ā Numerous area leaders recently came together to distribute thousands of N95 respirators to protect agricultural workers, as ongoing air quality problems due to smoke from nearby wildfires caused essential workers in the outdoors to be in danger.
Last week the Air Quality...
18 farmworkers treated for possible pesticide exposure
The Monterey County Agricultural Commissionerās Office is investigating an incident of possible exposure of farmworkers to pesticides.
CRU Winery in Soledad makes history as a Blue Zones Project participant
SOLEDAD ā CRU Wineryās tasting room has been designated a Blue Zones Project Participating Organization ā the first of its kind to join the health initiative in Monterey County.
The acknowledgment recognizes CRU Winery for actively implementing lifestyle changes and environmental modifications to promote longevity...
From dry to drenched ā How local farmers deal with drastically changing conditions
After more than four years of devastating drought, 2017 saw California receive the wettest winter in more than 100 years.
CHISPA receives $1.3M to repair housing for farmworkers in Soledad
SOLEDAD ā Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has announced that the Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA) will receive $1.32 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through a combination of a grant and a low-cost federal loan to rehabilitate affordable housing for...
Gonzales FFA student earns champion honors
GONZALES ā Luis Gonzalez won multiple banners in this yearās Monterey County Fair, including Reserve Supreme Champion Market Goat for his goat named Roberto.
Gonzalez, an incoming freshman member of the Gonzales High School Future Farmers of America (FFA), raised two animals for the fair,...
Artichoke Festival 2025 returns to its roots in Salinas Valley
SALINAS VALLEY ā The iconic Artichoke Festival is making a grand return to its roots in the heart of the Salinas Valley this year.
Set for June 14-15, the annual festival will take place at the Monterey County Sheriffās Posse Grounds in Salinas, a move...
Local News
Alliance on Aging offers free tax preparation services
MONTEREY COUNTY ā Alliance on Aging has announced the return of its free tax preparation services for older adults and people with disabilities, beginning...






















