Deadline nears for South County Young Leaders Program
MONTEREY COUNTY — Applications are now being accepted for the South County Young Leaders Program, a summer initiative aimed at students interested in public service, leadership development and local government.
The program, open to residents ages 17 to 22 in southern Monterey County, is hosted under Monterey County District 3 by Supervisor Chris Lopez. Participants will take part in workshops, community events and hands-on work with the District 3 team while gaining exposure to government operations and civic engagement.
The program runs June 15 through July 30, and includes an educational stipend provided by the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California.
The application deadline is May 22. Apply at forms.office.com/g/ZZR9DzxPu6 or bit.ly/41RlcxC. Questions can be directed to 831-755-5033 or di*******@**************ey.gov.
Subbasin committee applications open for advisory roles
SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency is accepting applications for its Subbasin Committees, which provide local input and advisory support on groundwater management under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
The agency manages or co-manages six subbasins: the 180/400 Foot Aquifer, Langley Area, Monterey, Eastside Aquifer, Forebay Aquifer and Upper Valley Aquifer. Each subbasin has a committee that serves as a liaison between the community and the SVBGSA Board of Directors.
Committee meetings are used to share information about SGMA implementation, agency work and local groundwater conditions, while also allowing residents and stakeholders to raise concerns and provide feedback.
Applications are due May 22. After the deadline, SVBGSA staff will present eligible applicants to the board in June, which will appoint up to 12 members per committee.
Residents can determine their subbasin using the agency’s online map. More information about eligibility, responsibilities and expectations is available through the SVBGSA website svbgsa.org. Questions can be directed to cl***@****sa.org.
Ag conservation grants awarded in Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY — Agricultural Land Trust of Monterey County received $7.3 million in grant funding from the California Strategic Growth Council to preserve more than 700 acres of prime farmland in Monterey County through agricultural conservation easements.
The funding was part of more than $45.5 million approved April 29 through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program to permanently protect 17,381 acres of croplands and rangelands across 16 California counties.
The Monterey County grants will help protect farmland from urban development and keep the properties in agricultural production and open space in perpetuity. Through conservation easements, participating landowners voluntarily sell and permanently retire development rights on their properties while continuing agricultural operations.
According to the Strategic Growth Council, conservation easements help prevent the conversion of farmland into subdivision development, reducing vehicle miles traveled, traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting carbon sequestration. The program also supports agricultural jobs, food production, wildlife habitat conservation and sustainable land management practices that can help reduce wildfire risk.
Ashley Cooke added to Big Week Kick Off Concert lineup
SALINAS — Rising country artist Ashley Cooke has been added to the lineup for the California Rodeo Salinas 2026 Big Week Kick Off Concert, set for July 11 at the Salinas Sports Complex.
Cooke will join headliner Miranda Lambert and special guest Dylan Scott for the opening night event that launches Big Week festivities.
California Rodeo Salinas said the addition strengthens an already anticipated lineup featuring one of country music’s fastest-rising performers.
The concert is part of the annual Big Week celebration leading into rodeo events in Salinas. Tickets are available at carodeo.com.
