Focus on Ag May 2020

MAY 2020

Miller Red Barn awarded another $300K Salinas Valley Fair to host online livestock auction Monterey County farmworkers receive 750,000 masks A PUBLICATION OF

Gilroy Dispatch | Hollister Free Lance King City Rustler | Salinas Valley Tribune | Watsonville Pajaronian

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FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE

MAY 2020

GILROY

Miller Red Barn gets another $300K SANTA CLARA COUNTY AWARDS NEARLY $600K IN A MATTER OF MONTHS

By ERIK CHALHOUB

V

photo by Richard Perino

isitors to Christmas Hill Park may have noticed some major movement at the park’s long-dormant red barn in recent weeks.

In August, the Miller Red Barn Association was awarded $297,008 by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on the recommendation of the Historical Heritage Commission. Crews are currently replacing the mudsill foundation with concrete, as well as leveling out the barn that had been sagging on one side, among other structural work.

Turns out, that’s now only half of the money the Miller Red Barn Association has received from the county to transform the historic barn into an educational resource.

The supervisors on April 21 approved $300,000 in funding for the association through the Historic Grant Program. The $5 million fund allocated $1 million to each of the five supervisorial districts. Applications from throughout the county were graded and presented to the supervisors for approval.

Of the 10 applications submitted in District 1, the Miller Red Barn Association received the largest award. Funded was awarded to projects that celebrate untold stories and underrepresented communities.

Miller Red Barn Association president Richard Perino said the organization plans to use the funding to replace a section of wood flooring in the barn, replace the aluminum doors with redwood doors, as well as create historical exhibits, among other things.

The barn will also get a new coat of paint and new siding. As the barn is being lifted in sections to replace the foundation, the old, brittle redwood siding is

breaking, Perino added.

Perino expects the current work to wrap up in about four months. Per the conditions of the grant funding, awardees must complete the work outlined in their applications within three years.

MG Constructors and Engineers is the contractor for the project.

Miller Red Barn Association vice president Gary Walton said many people have been involved in the project, such as Mark Garrison with MG Constructors and Engineers, who provided a structural analysis plan pro bono, and Reid Lerner, who developed architectural drawings for the project, also pro bono.

The group is also in talks with landscape designer Karen Aitken.

“There’s a lot of people that have been involved and donated their time,” Walton said, also adding his appreciation for current and former board members who “deserve a lot of credit for their hard work.”

The city has also helped in these efforts by not charging fees for necessary permits, according to Perino.

“The City of Gilroy has been so cooperative with the process of getting the permits and getting it through city hall,” he said.

The redwood barn, located on the north side of Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy, was built in 1891 by Henry Miller, the “Cattle King of California,” at the turn of the 20th century.

The cattle baron built the barn to store hay for his cattle and horses. It was later used for processing stone fruit grown on Miller’s property.

The barn is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources as well as the National Register of Historic Places.

The non-profit Miller Red Barn Association, founded in 2014, has so far raised about $700,000 through special events and private donations, as well as the grant funding, that goes toward preservation of the barn.

The association grew from a group of concerned Gilroyans who petitioned the city for a one-year re-

RESTORING HISTORY Structural work is underway inside the Miller Red Barn at Christmas Hill Park. prieve to stop the demolition of the barn if they could come up with a plan to save it.

Walton said many people don’t understand why the organization is working to save the barn, as it’s a “very utilitarian structure and not a work of art architecturally.” The barn’s importance lies in what it represents, he said: a monument

to hard-working people of the past who grew Gilroy into the city it is today.

“When you demolish your town’s history and the only thing left are the shopping centers, franchises and big box stores, you lose the love for your community and you become apathetic,” Walton said. “It becomes the same as any other town.”

The Miller Red Barn Association is in need of volunteers passionate about history to help develop exhibits and other programs for the future. For information, visit themillerredbarn. org or email millerredbarn@outlook.com.

Other funding approved by the super visors on April 21 included a total of $33,000 to the Gilroy

Historical Society to publish a biography on John Gilroy, the city’s namesake, as well as produce oral history DVDs featuring longtime Gilroy residents.

The Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy and Services received $96,798 to restore the Aztec Calendar mural in downtown Gilroy behind Tacos Del Guero.

MONTEREY COUNTY

4-H Leaders Council accepting applications for board positions CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

Monterey County 4-H

Leaders Council is accepting applications for the offices of secretary, first vice

president and second vice president for the upcoming 2020-21 year.

These adult board officers ser ve the youth and volunteers of the 4-H Program through planning, supporting and providing educational opportunities during a twoyear commitment.

The Leaders Council is looking for new officer candidates who are visionary and can add ideas on ways to continue to grow the engaging 108-yearold program in California.

This volunteer work may include restructuring local goals, allocating funding in different ways and spreading the valuable work of the 4-H Council Board through committees.

Current Council President Dena Sala-Jenkinson said, “ Those who have been a part of the 4-H Program, or are currently active with their children, know how important it is to create a sustainable plan for the 4-H Leaders

Council to remain alive and lead this local program to impact our youth. Volunteer board officers and other adult volunteers are needed to be a part of these positive discussions, solutions, ideas and changes for our future.”

She continued, “ The Leader’s Council is the nonprofit that drives and makes decisions about how the 4-H Program guides youth learning. The efforts that 4-H volunteers put in today, creates the leaders of tomorrow. I have loved my volunteer time on the Council board because I’m a believer in the learn by doing method.”

While each officer candidate for the Leaders Council positions would have specific skills to their position, in general, the skills needed are teamwork, show enthusiasm, be willing to grow in their understanding of youth,

*cover photography by Tarmo Hannula

demonstrate effective, reasonable problem-solving ability, have an interest of youth development, demonstrate leadership ability, be grounded in the present, have a focus on the future and be interested in helping 4-H serve the entire community.

The Monterey County Leaders Council holds general meetings 10 times per year, in which all 15 community clubs’ representatives attend. These meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at either a Salinas or King City location. The executive board meets quarterly to prepare.

“In return for your time, Council Board officers can actually see their efforts become reality. I can assure candidates, you will experience growth, feel valued, be able to measure youth ➝ See BOARD, 5

MAY 2020

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FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE

COVID-19

Farmworkers receive 750,000 masks

By RYAN CRONK

contributed

Monterey County has received 750,000 procedure masks specifically designated to protect agricultural workers in the area, following weeks of persistent engagement by county and state officials.

The deliver y arrived May 7 after the Monterey County Emergency Medical Services Agency Medical Operation Area Coordinator requested them to safeguard farmworkers in the fields, where they often work in close proximity to one another.

“Over the last two months, since the governor declared a state of emergency relating to the Covid-19 outbreak, I have been working closely with Monterey County to support and safeguard our most vulnerable populations — including in particular our agricultural workers,” said Assemblymember Robert Rivas. “I have expressed the critical need of personal protective equipment (PPE) for these workers to the governor and California’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) through numerous communications. This shipment of 750,000 masks is an important step in providing the necessary protection for farmworkers who do the hard work that puts food on our tables. We are glad to see CalOES respond to our repeated calls for assistance.”

The masks, which are from the state’s emergency stockpile of personal pro-

TO PROTECT Monterey County received a delivery of 750,000 procedure masks May 7 for agricultural workers in the area. tective equipment, come at no cost to the county or workers. The shipment will provide one mask per day to 25,000 agricultural workers for 30 days.

“I appreciate the efforts of Assemblymember Rivas in assisting Monterey County to obtain these masks for our agricultural workers who often work in close proximity,” said Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. “With these

masks, we will be able to partner with local organizations that will get this PPE to the workers who need it most.”

The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, Farm Bureau, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California and the California Strawberry Commission were selected to distribute the masks to area workers.

According to Kim Stem-

ler, executive director of the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, “A diverse group of organizations came together with elected leaders to achieve the common goals of protecting our agricultural employees and protecting the food supply that nourishes the nation.

This group included the County of Monterey, the Monterey County Health Officer, various local agri-

cultural associations, and community-based organizations. We shared the urgent need for masks for agricultural employees with Assemblymember Rivas and the governor’s office, and we’re grateful to now be distributing 750,000 masks to those who work every day on our farms.”

“I look forward to continuing this partnership with CalOES, the County

and local stakeholders to safeguard our district’s 100,000 agricultural workers, as well as the one million farmworkers throughout California,” Rivas said.

“As vulnerable, essential workers who are continuing to feed our nation, they deserve our thanks and the PPE necessary to protect their health.”

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MAY 2020

SALINAS VALLEY

Salinas Valley Fair to host online livestock auction CHANGES TO FORMAT SEEK TO HELP YOUTH

By SEAN RONEY

photo by Suzanne Wright

One of the largest features of the Salinas Valley Fair, the Junior Livestock Auction, will continue to take place through an online format even while the 2020 Fair itself has been canceled due to Covid-19 concerns.

The online auction will take place June 20, as announced by the SVF L i v e s t o c k C o m m i tt e e .

They did this to ser ve their livestock exhibitors, mostly made up of 4-H and FFA members who had raised animals specifically for the big weekend auction at the 76th annual event, originally scheduled for May 14 to 17 in King City.

T J P l e w, t h e f a i r grounds’ CEO, said getting the animals auctioned and their meat into market at the right time is of utmost importance.

“The fact that we’ve persisted is an important lesson that we should always do our best given any type of circumstance,” Plew said.

“We’ve been very blessed in our community with amazing support, and this is an interesting challenge to see how much you’re in it for the long haul.”

With the changes in auction proceedings comes a shift to how the Heritage auction will take place this year. Plew confirmed the Heritage animal will be auctioned online, but

it will not be the highlight of the auction process as in prior years.

“There will not be an effort or emphasis to raise funds for the Heritage Foundation this year,” she said. “This year the animal will go through the auction, but they’re encouraging anybody that wants to make a donation to Heritage to do that through the add-on process.”

The add-on buyers’ fees will work differently this year.

“In the past, we collected 5 percent fee from the buyer for an add-on,” Plew explained. “This year, we are only going to collect a fee if the buyer is making a payment by credit card.

All cash and check payments, there will be no percentage to the buyer so that most of that money can go … straight to the kid.” She added, “The credit card fee is going to be lower than 5 percent.”

By encouraging addons, the Fair aims to help as many youth exhibitors as possible.

“The Heritage Foundation is very cognizant that many of you worked very hard to raise their animals,” Plew said. “They’re not going to pressure businesses, companies and individuals to contribute to the Heritage Fo u n d at i o n t h i s y e a r.

They want those businesses and individuals to contribute to each individual creature and FFA member that’s worked to raise their animal.”

The online auction format allows the exhibitors

BIG BID Congressman Jimmy Panetta (center) looks for bidders during last year’s Junior Livestock Auction at the Salinas Valley Fair. The 2020 auction will take place through a new online format June 20. to sell their animals while also observing social-distancing guidelines.

All exhibitors were required to have their consignment sales agreement forms in by April 27. Their next requirement was to submit a photo of their animal for the online auction catalog by May 1.

Those who opted in were required to be in uniform and have their animal cleaned for the shot.

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Animal drop-off dates happen at different times, but all animals need their medical paperwork completed as they will be slaughtered on the same day of drop-off. This means no custom cuts can be made this year.

G r o u p l e a d e r s h av e been encouraged to bring as many animals as possible, since the fewer people who show up for drop-off the better for

reducing Covid-19 risk, but also every individual who shows up for dropoff will need to complete Covid-19 paperwork.

If an exhibitor has opted in but finds a private buyer before the dropoff, they may switch their buyer without a penalty, but the Fair staff requests notification so they can make adjustments to their scheduling.

Selling order will be

alphabetical by species, then alphabetical by club.

Specific lot numbers will be determined at a later time. Exhibitors are encouraged to write their buyer’s letters to get as many people to attend the online auction as possible.

More information can be found online at salinasvalleyfair.com/p/ fair/jla.

MAY 2020

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FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE

HORTICULTURE

Multi-trunk trees seem natural

By TONY TOMEO

F

BOARD ➝ From page 2

success and see the possibilities for local youth,”

multi trunk tree instead.

It will be pleased to grow freely from the top if lower growth gets pruned off.

Multi trunk trees are no more natural than trees with single trunks are, but they seem to be.

Highlight: Rockrose The first bloom is the best. At least it is purported to be. Many of us who are familiar with any cultivar of rockrose, Cistus, might disagree. Bloom begins in spring and continues through summer. The most profuse bloom can be anytime within that range. Some cultivars bloom sporadically but continually. Others bloom in more distinct phases.

Cultivars that start later can bloom into autumn.

Bloom is white, pale pink, rich pink or purplish pink. Individual flowers have five petals and fuzzy centers. Flowers of some of the older cultivars have a prominent rusty red spot at the base of each petal. Smaller flowers are more profuse than larger flowers. The small evergreen leaves of most rockrose are somewhat grayish, with a matte finish. Foliage is aromatic when disturbed or warm.

Jenkinson said.

Nominations of Council Board officers typically take place in May with voting in June. Monterey County Leaders Council meetings are currently oc-

curring virtually by Zoom.

Officer training and support will be provided to ensure a successful year. “ We ’ r e l o o k i n g b e yond the youth program for Council officers and

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or several years in the late 1960 and early 1970s, European white birch were trendy. Most lived in ubiquitous groups of three.

Where three did not fit, a single multi trunk tree, typically with three trunks, was a popular option. Each multi trunk tree provided as many trunks as a few single trunk trees. For these particular white birch, the elegant white trunks were their most appealing feature.

Multi trunk trees, which are popularly known as 'multis', are only structurally different from their counterparts with single trunks. Multi trunk crape myrtle are genetically identical to crape myrtle of the same cultivar, but with single trunks. The only difference is that multi trunk trees branch at ground level, instead of at the top of a single straight trunk. Each needs to be pruned to the desired form.

Multi trunk birch, paperbark and lemon gum exhibit appealing bark. More trunks display more bark than single

trunks. Multi trunk strawberry tree, olive and oak exhibit appealingly sculptural form. Cork oak and crape myrtle provide both appealing bark and sculptural form. Silk tree, acacia and deciduous magnolia display their bloom more effectively with lower and broader multi trunk form.

Trees get help to develop into a desired form. European white birch, lemon gum and silk trees are more likely to develop single trunks naturally. Coppicing compels them to regenerate with several trunks. Conversely, olive, crape myrtle and strawberry trees develop a few trunks naturally.

Single trunk trees need thinning to remove the superfluous trunks, and staking to straighten a single trunk.

In home gardens, multi trunk trees sometimes evolve from overgrown shrubbery. Pineapple guava may be shrubby for many years before lower growth gets pruned away to reveal sculptural trunks within. English laurel that gets too overgrown for containment pruning might become a delightful

TRANSFORMATION Overgrown shrubbery becomes multi trunk trees.

Most rockrose are appreciated for their low and mounding form. If arranged in a row, they can grow into an artificial berm.

Most get at least three times broader than tall. Few

get taller than three feet.

They all appreciate warm exposure. Once established they do not need much watering. Unfortunately, most rockrose do not live much longer than five

years. Few survive more than 10 years.

reaching into our agricultural community as the relationship between youth and adult leadership is so important,” Jenkinson said. “We all recognize the need to pro-

vide valuable skills of our future workforce. When leaders in ag provide this type of board involvement, we all benefit.”

To request a copy of the volunteer officer job

descriptions, email denajenkinson4h@gmail. com or contact the 4-H County offices for more information about the application process.

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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MAY 2020