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Salinas
October 8, 2025

CHISPA receives $1.3M to repair housing for farmworkers in Soledad

Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA)
SOLEDAD — 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...

Organic Farming Research Foundation hosts congressional organic field day

SALINAS — The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) hosted Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Jimmy Panetta and their staff alongside agricultural leaders and stakeholders for a field day visit to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Salinas station. The Oct. 21 visit highlighted the critical organic...

From Gold Rush to global leader: New book explores California’s agricultural history

California Agriculture
CALIFORNIA — Arcadia Publishing has announced the publication of ā€œCalifornia Agriculture,ā€ a new history of the state’s agriculture industry by author Patti DesMarais. The 128-page paperback is part of Arcadia’s ā€œImages of Americaā€ book series, featuring historical information and photographs. Beginning with the Spanish padres in...

Community input sought for flood-prone areas to support future groundwater recharge efforts in Salinas Valley

SALINAS VALLEY — In an effort to increase groundwater recharge and storage while reducing flooding, four local agencies and nonprofits collaborating on the Multi-benefit Land Repurposing Program are seeking public input about known areas of flooding and recharge. A public survey is now open and...

Farm tour in Soledad highlights benefits of investing in agricultural development

SOLEDAD — 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 Fresh’s produce farming...

Salinas Valley nonprofit farm featured in national agriculture series

SALINAS — ā€œAmerica’s Heartland,ā€ the first nationally broadcast agriculture series of its kind in the United States, has returned for its 18th season with 10 new episodes featuring unique crops grown on diverse, locally-owned farms. This season, ā€œAmerica’s Heartlandā€ highlights the Salinas Valley’s Agriculture and...

Guest Column | Cal State Monterey Bay Will Drive Future of Ag Technology

Cal State Monterey Bay had an exciting start to the semester with the first students entering our new mechatronic engineering program — which combines mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineering skills — and the project launch of our Edward ā€œTedā€ Taylor Science and Engineering...

Lavender Creek Co. partners with quilters to bring comfort to local patients

GREENFIELD — Lavender Creek Co., Monterey County’s local family-run lavender wellness brand, has announced a new partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Quilters Guild, providing locally grown lavender for the handcrafted eye pillows donated to CHOMP, Salinas Valley Health, Natividad and the VNA. The eye pillows...

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office recovers stolen equipment in ag theft spree

MONTEREY COUNTY — Over the past two weeks, multiple agricultural businesses in Monterey County have been targeted by a wave of burglaries, resulting in the theft of valuable equipment. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Ag Crimes Unit has been actively investigating these incidents, leading to...

Dangerous herbicide used on California crops banned

Monterey County crops
SALINAS VALLEY — 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...

Local News

Omar Dieguez

Calls grow to restrict harmful pesticide exposure in Monterey County

SALINAS VALLEY — Several dozen community members gathered for a news conference at the County Government Center in Salinas last Tuesday to release a...