Page 2 — April 2017
CENTRAL COAST
From dry...
The floor of Struve Slough in Watsonville, typically covered with three to five feet of water, was largely a cracking bed of soil in 2014.
How local farmers deal with drastically changing conditions
Photos by Tarmo Hannula
This man tidies up an irrigation canal on a strawberry farm on Salinas Road in Royal Oaks in 2015’s dry conditions.
...to drenched By JOHANNA MILLER
A
fter more than four years of devastating drought, 2017 saw California receive the wettest winter in more than 100 years. According to research done by
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, between October 2016 and February 2017 California averaged its highest amount of precipitation since 1895. Local farmers are definitely feeling the effects. Dick Peixoto of Watsonville’s
Drenching rain pounds an agricultural field on Paulsen Road in Watsonville during a recent storm.
Pooled rain water is reflected in an agricultural canopy on a farm on Holohan Road in Watsonville recently.
Lakeside Organic Gardens explained how the continuing storms have been both a blessing and a curse. “Rain is obviously a good thing after a drought, but this is the worst winter we’ve had in 40 years,” Peixoto said. “Usually in a normal wet season, we have at least a few breaks between storms. But there weren’t any dry weeks.” The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County estimates that agriculture in Santa Cruz County brings in on average $500 million to the economy each year. That might change this year. Peixoto explained that unlike in some regions, local farmers plant all year round. Because they haven’t been able to plant, certain products are limited. “We’re at about 25 percent of normal,” he said, “and we’ve had to raise prices.” Statewide, agriculture leaders and scientists are working to solve California’s problems that have arisen this winter season.
Serving the farming community since 1984
TANKERS • LOWBOY • VEGETABLE HAULING Cody Bassetti (831) 320-2667
402 Bassett St. • King City Ph: (831) 385-3507 • Fax: (831) 385-3508
Groundwater Management Act In a report for the Union of was passed by the California LegConcerned Scientists earlier this islature to help manage groundyear, Andrea Basche of the USC water resources which have been Food & Environment program threatened due to lack of explained: precipitation. “It can be hard The California to understand Water Science how the chalCenter describes lenges can move groundwater so quickly from as water found one extreme below the earth’s to the other,” surface. GroundBasche said, “but droughts California relies on three water is used extensively and floods are main, interconnected water quite for agricultural actually both sources: mountain snowpack, irrigation syssymptoms of tems, and it can the same water reservoirs and aquifers. be dangerous problem: too (Source: water.ca.gov) when its levels much water are depleted when it is not faster than they can be replenneeded and not enough when it ished. is.” Locally, in an effort to enHowever, despite this year’s sure the Salinas Valley regutorrential rains, effects of the lates its use of groundwater in drought still linger. the Salinas Valley basin, a coAccording to the National Weather Service, it usally takes alition of stakeholders formed the Groundwater Sustainability more than one rainy season Agency. The group is heavily to make up for droughts, represented by the agriculture especially one as extensive as 2012-2016. In 2014, the Sustainable See RAIN, page 3
April 2017 — Page 3
KING CITY
Photos by Tarmo Hannula
Bethany Willy of Templeton 4-H prepares her Angus Brahman steer, Big Red, for showing at the Salinas Valley Fair in King City in 2014.
Students from Arts Magnet School clown around with a camera.
Salinas Valley Fair to be held May 18-21 By JOHANNA MILLER
O
Citlali Lizardi of Arts Magnet School enjoys a plate of curly fries.
Carson Nauta of the Pozo 4-H Club entered this Dutch Bantam rooster in the 2014 fair.
A young boy enjoys floating around in a pool inside a giant plastic ball.
n May 18, the Salinas Valley Fair returns to King City for four days of family-friendly events, exhibits and activities. Now in its 73rd year, the annual fair is a popular event with locals and also draws crowds from all over the area. “This is the biggest familyfriendly, affordable event in the area,” said TJ Plew, Salinas Valley Fair’s CEO. “We do our best to create a fun, safe atmosphere so people can enjoy themselves and spend time together.” The fair boasts a number of riding and wrangling events, including horse shows, bull riding and barrel racing. There will also be livestock and produce exhibits, horticulture and art displays, as well as live music throughout the weekend. The Grand Tasting of Wine and Beer event will be held on Friday, May 18. Tickets to the tasting are $25 before May 18 and include admission to the rest of the fair. (At the door, tickets are $35.) According to Plew, this year brings a number of new attractions to the fair, including a BMX stunt show and a new interactive exhibit called “Wizard’s Challenge.” The AgriRace Invitational that was new to the fair in 2016 will also return to the Stampede Arena. World champion juggler
Jeramiah Johnson will also be appearing with his show “The Throw Zone.” Rena Escobar, who was crowned Miss Salinas Valley Fair 2017 in March, will be the official greeter at the Fair. In an interview for the King City Rustler, Escobar spoke about the importance of agriculture in Salinas Valley and encouraged fairgoers to visit the produce displays. In addition to all of this, the annual carnival will also be held, with rides, games and activities. Fairgoers can score an all-day carnival wristband for $25 if they order before May 18. An official kick-off event will be held at the Orradre Building on April 22 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, with a no-host bar, an auction and a King City Young Farmer’s steak dinner. Plew said she believes local fairs are very important. “Agriculture fairs bring people together,” she said. “This is why I love my job. When we come together to enjoy something we realize we have more in common than we think.” Admission to the fair is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors over 60 and children ages 6 through 17, and free for children 5 and under. Parking is $10. Thursday is Kid’s Day, sponsored by Holaday Seed Company. All children under 12 enter free. On Friday seniors over 60 as well as special
Emily Hall of the Cerro Alto 4-H Club won first and third place ribbons with her market goat, Cowboy, in 2014.
Estefania Trujillo of the Gonzales 4-H Club is shown with her steer, Charlie. education tour groups enter free. Saturday is Armed Forces Day, with free admission for all military and dependents
RAIN From page 2
community. Other groups have sprung up throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey counties as well. Farmers, winegrowers and others within the agriculture community are thinking ahead and planning for whatever the next
Built up rain water takes over an agriculture field on a farm on San Andreas Road in Watsonville.
with ID cards. For information, visit salinasvalleyfair.com or call (831) 385-3243.
season has in store. Most are positive about the future. Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau, said that while he’s seen isolated problems this year, in general, things are progressing as normal. “There have been so many media calls from all over the country asking if we will have lettuce this spring,” he said. “Yes, there
will be lettuce. And all the other crops we grow.” Generally, local farmers are ready for a break in the storms. But they also seem eager to use this season’s rainfall to kickstart the next growing season. “We as farmers have to work with whatever Mother Nature gives us,” Peixoto said. “We are the ones who have to adapt. And we will.”
We at Gizdich Ranch ask everyone, to please Support Our Local Ag Businesses!
Photo by Tarmo Hannula
On the cover A field worker inspects a strawberry crop in the early phase of the season in Watsonville recently. Photo by Tarmo Hannula
Open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm
Page 4 — April 2017
WATSONVILLE
COLUMN
A story of collaboration By NORM GROOT and KIM STEMLER
S
Photo by Tarmo Hannula
Strawberry season takes hold Field workers start in on a harvest of fresh strawberries for the California Giant label on a farm off of Lee Road in Watsonville.
PASO ROBLES
Entries sought for Central Coast Wine Competition CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
E
ntries are now being accepted for the Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC), which takes place June 21-22 in Paso Robles. Professional winemakers
Takes place June 21-22 may register under early bird pricing by Friday, May 26; the final date to enter at full price is Friday, June 9. To
register, visit cmsfw.fairmanager.com. The eligible counties are: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa
Seed Dynamics is specialized in seed-applied plant protectants
1081 Harkins Road P.O. Box 6069 Salinas, CA 93912 Telephone (831) 424-1177 Fax (831) 424-0174
CLARK TRUCKING
SAND & GRAVEL • DECOMPOSED GRANITE • AGGREGAGTE BASE DUMP TRUCKS • WATER TRUCKS • EXCAVATOR • CRANE • DOZER SEPTIC SYSTEMS • ASPHALT CONCRETE • BACKHOE • LOWBED 70FT. PUBLIC SCALE
831-385-3204 100 AIRPORT DRIVE KING CITY, CA
Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The judges this year include Matt Kettmann of Wine Enthusiast magazine, Mary Orlin of the San Jose Mercury News and Patrick Comiskey, journalist at Wine & Spirits and author. “Our mission with the CCWC is to highlight and celebrate the world class wines of the Central Coast,” said Mid-State Fair CEO Michael Bradley. “This year’s competition is gearing up to be the best yet.” The Central Coast Wine Competition is the largest evaluation event for wines produced exclusively on California’s Central Coast and is hosted by seven fairs: The California Mid-State Fair, Contra Costa County Fair, Grand National Livestock Exposition, Horse Show and Rodeo, Monterey County Fair, San Benito County Fair and the Santa Barbara County Fair. Enrollment has also begun for Home Winemakers Competition, the second-annual Craft Spirits Competition, the Central Coast Vinegar Competition, and the Packaging Competition. For information on the Central Coast Craft Spirits Competition, visit cmsfs. fairmanager.com. For the Professional & Home Winemakers competition and the Central Coast Vinegar Competition, visit cmsfw. fairmanager.com. The 2017 California Mid-State Fair runs July 19 through July 30. This year’s theme is “Come One, Come All…”
omething great is happening in Monterey County. Working together with a broad and diverse coalition of local stakeholders, we took a state mandate that first appeared to be lemons and made lemonade. As background, in 2014 California adopted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA for short. The law requires that each groundwater basin deemed as critical establish a groundwater management agency to develop a local sustainable management plan. This state mandate came without funding, only with a requirement and deadlines. The first requirement is the formation of a new groundwater sustainability agency, due by June 30, 2017. With a strong desire for an open, transparent process that included stakeholders from all interested sectors of groundwater use, a neutral facilitator was engaged to guide the process. This broad group of 22 stakeholders, known as the Collaborative Work Group (Group), was formed to represent interests including social justice, environment, agriculture, government (county and municipalities), water agencies and utilities, and other affected communities. The group started meeting in February 2016 by laying out ground rules. Over the next 11 months, meeting twice a month, the Group worked collectively to design a new public agency; most significant was an early decision that one single agency would be developed for the entire Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin. As with any group with varied interests and beliefs, there were struggles and intense discussions surrounding the governance structures needed to oversee the agency and its requirements under SGMA. Ultimately, the Group formed an agreement and decided on a Board of Directors of 11 encompassing many of the stakeholder sectors sitting on the Group itself. The Group submitted its recommendation for the agency structure to the Board of Supervisors in December for a thumbs-up or -down vote. Fortunately, the result was a big thumbs up, along with an enthusiastic acknowledgment from the Supervisors on the depth and breadth of engagement and representation from the various stakeholder communities. In January and February, the selection process and approval of the 11 directors was completed and on March 9 the first Board meeting of the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency convened. This was time for celebrating the culmination of the Collaborative Work Group efforts over the past year. Where’s the lemonade in this process? Stakeholders with different beliefs and
goals came together for the greater good. In forming this agreement, we realized that we didn’t need to get groups of people with different interests to agree on things they don’t. Instead, we focused on finding agreement to solve problems, in this case, to set up a structure that meets the requirements of the law and where the stakeholders have a voice. No one stakeholder group got all they wanted, but no one walked away empty handed either. There was a true spirit of cooperation held in the process, which started early with respectful discussions and treating each other as equals. It took a lot of time to make decisions this way, and it was not always easy or comfortable. But all participants walked away supporting the final decision. Eric Tynan, general manager of Castroville Community Services District, commented, “The leadership shown by the City of Salinas, the County of Monterey and the Ag Caucus in working together in developing a solution to the very complicated and sometimes divisive water issues should be applauded.” Some may argue that it’s not a perfect solution and given that it’s a state mandate and everyone has their interests in water, it can’t perfectly match everyone’s satisfaction. What’s important is that diverse groups in Monterey County came together and produced a solution in the true spirit of collaboration. As this mandate came without any state funding, local interests have funded a major portion of the facilitated process, including the County, City of Salinas, Monterey County Water Resource Agency, and the agricultural sector of the Salinas Valley. Everyone had a financial stake in the success of this process because we are all water users. In the spirit of cooperation and respect, we will continue to work together to accomplish good things for our county, whether it’s mandated by law or social construct. This agency formation process should serve as a model of how to get things done locally, without resorting to retreating into our corners or using lawsuits to get our way. “The Collaborative Working Group shows how distinctly varied interests can actually work together to meet the goal of forming the agency tasked with maintaining the sustainability of a large portion of the Salinas River groundwater basin. It is an honor to have been part of the Group,” stated Brian LeNeve, environmental representative on the Group. Let’s congratulate all of those involved in this truly visionary way to find solutions to complex problems. ••• Norm Groot is the executive director of Monterey County Farm Bureau and Kim Stemler is the executive director of Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.
April 2017 — Page 5
SALINAS
New ag center breaks ground
Photo by Kellie Hicks
The many contributors took up the golden shovels and participated in the groundbreaking at Rancho Cielo on April 8. The infrastructure is set for the shovel-ready project.
A long time coming, the Ted Taylor Agricultural Center will soon be a reality
T
By KELLIE HICKS he Rancho Cielo Youth Campus was the site of a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ted Taylor Agricultural Center on April 8, with speakers including Bruce Taylor and John Phillips, founder of Rancho Cielo. The day’s weather gave the organizers a few worries, having gone from sunny to rainy, but by the time of the ceremony it was blue sky with wispy clouds overhead. First to speak was Rancho Cielo’s CEO Susie Brusa. “Welcome to the long time in coming groundbreaking for the Ted Taylor Vocational Center,” said Brusa, to cheers from the audience. She went on to thank the families and businesses that helped make the addition
to the campus a reality. She then introduced Phillips, who talked about the impact the Rancho Cielo campus has had on the many youth that have attended the many programs there. Whether they go into the service field or into agriculture, the students have a greater chance of success on the job front and in life, Phillips said. Joanne Taylor Johnson was next to address the group. She talked about being approached by Phillips, Don Chapin and others about naming the Vocational Center after her husband Ted, who passed away in 1991. In his lifetime, Ted Taylor had imparted his knowledge about the different aspects of the ag business to many people. Taylor Johnson had at first said no, but soon after Ted passed she was presented with a list of 40 people who Ted
had mentored, called the “Ted Taylor Alumni.” Knowing what Ted had done for those on the list and knowing what the new Agricultural Center would do for the young men and women who would attend, she said she realized it was a fitting tribute to Ted. The Ted Taylor Vocational Ag Center will house four wings, each with its own purpose. Students will be able to study in the Automotive and Tractor Repair wing, or one of the other wings, which include the Metal Fabrication and Welding, Irrigation and Water Solutions wing, the Agricultural Value Added Services, Refrigeration and Food Safety wing or the Sustainable Construction Solutions wing. The wings branch off the glassfronted main building, which houses the main entry, lobby, a lounge and
an office. Classrooms, offices and a conference room are housed on the second level of the building. Bruce Taylor was the next to speak. “These things are tough to get off the ground, they take a long time,” said Taylor to the amusement of the crowd, as the project took more than 10 years to make it to the groundbreaking stage. “You have spent your life mentoring young people, and it’s a tribute to all of you,” he said to the men and women in front of him, many of whom contributed to the capital campaign that will fund the project. Taylor added, “The money is terrific, that’s great. It’s really your spirit, your participation, your commitment to the community and to the benefit of our community for everyone’s greater good.”
To finish up the celebration, Don Chapin, chairman of the Board of Directors, took over to gather people around for the official groundbreaking of the project. First to the golden shovels were the many Taylor family members in attendance. The many generations of Taylors posed for pictures then dug the shovels in for the turning of dirt to start the project. The next group ushered up to the golden shovels were the many donors and sponsors who participated in the capital campaign. The 27,000-square-foot ag facility is slated to open August 2018. The campus is still in need of help for other projects and to add more services to local youth. To help out, contact Susie Brusa at susie@ranchocieloyc. org, or call (831) 444-3533.
Contact us and speak with a farm advisor to learn about: •ASD: An alternative to pre-plant fumigation, already in use on 1,000s of acres, and • Mustard seed meal: Harness the power of cover crops in a franction of the time
Page 6 — April 2017
PASO ROBLES
Four days of activities at wine festival By SONJA ESCHENBURG
R
anked 11th by last year’s U.S. food and wine festival calendar critics, the 2017 Paso Robles Wine Festival is scheduled for May 18-21 and will feature four days of dinners, tastings and educational seminars fit for both experienced and inexperienced palates. “My deepest apology to Sonoma, but if they are the prince of wine, the Central Coast is the new king,” said Paul Katona, who attended last year’s festival. The event will kick off Thursday evening with the Winemakers Dinner. On Friday, May 19, select wineries will share their library, reserve, white and rose and futures — all complemented by gourmet bites — at the night’s Reserve event. Festivities will continue throughout Saturday, May 20, with a day full of fun and educational winemaker seminars, featuring five winemakers showing a taste of the region’s diversity. Guests will be able to learn about distinct growing regions in Paso Robles
Photo courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
Photo courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
and the surrounding areas straight from the winemakers themselves. The day will culminate with more than 70 wineries coming together for a Grand Tasting at the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. “This is the fourth year we’ve done it this way,” Wine Country Executive Director Jennifer Porter said. “Wine Country members choose which area they
The Paso Robles Wine Festival is scheduled for May 18-21.
want to be in. Areas include Bordeaux, Rhone, Zinfandel, Burgundian, Italian and even other wild wines, like Spanish, for noncommittal members. While members will pour predominantly one varietal they may still have others, but for the most part they will focus on just the one.”
The goal of the last day of the festival, May 21, is to encourage people — both locals and visitors — to travel outside of the park and explore some of the 140 different events happening at North County wineries. One of the fastest growing wine regions in the state, there is sure to be something for everyone
at one winery or another — whether it be eating dinner, dancing to live music by local artists or sampling new barrel releases. “This is such a fun time to be in Paso,” past attendee Diane Walter said. “So many of my friends and I make it an annual weekend trip. Can’t wait.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit county health care, education and community service organizations. Tickets, which are available now, can be purchased by visiting www.pasowine. com. For information, call (805) 239-8463 or email info@pasowine.com.
TEMPLETON
Templeton Wine Festival returns By SONJA ESCHENBURG
T
he fifth annual Templeton Wine Festival, hosted by the Templeton Chamber of Commerce, is set to return Saturday, May 6. Held at Templeton Park, located at 550 Crocker St., from 1-5 p.m., the festival is one of the area’s biggest celebrations and has
become a weekend vacation destination for people from both near and far. Starting the first weekend of May, local wine enthusiasts are invited to enjoy a pre-summer soaked weekend in one of the area’s most scenic towns. Templeton is a small, peaceful town nestled amongst the grape vines. Surrounded by
vineyards in almost every direction, it comes as no surprise that wine runs through the veins of locals here, and for one weekend this year, it will run right through the heart of town, too. At this year’s wine festival guests will have the opportunity to thoroughly explore the Central Coast’s cultural
Proudly serving our agricultural communities since 1945
horizons. The event has been expanded to include not only a collection of Central Coast wineries, but also a selection of local food samples and culinary delights, boutique shopping booths and vendors, and also a live musical performance by artist Joy Bonner. Admission to this event will cost $35 for pre-sale tickets and $45 when purchased at the door. Guests are encouraged to return to Templeton Park the following day, from 1-5 p.m. to continue their weekend fun — this time at the Templeton Beer Festival. Although craft beers started off as a small industry, they are quickly making a name for themselves, especially here along the Central Coast. Produced by the Rotary Club of Templeton and Hole Hop Productions, this event will feature beer selections from several local breweries and taprooms. For information, email info@templetonchamber.com.
Photo by Allyson Oken
The Templeton Wine Festival returns May 6.
Just great Old Fashioned Service Since 1979!
You call... We come runnin’! TREE SERVICE INC.
www.TopesTreeService.com WE-7621A Topetree@aol.com Andrew Tope Jr. Certified Arborist
831-373-7765 www.AToolShed.com 1-800-A-TOOL-SHED
WE DELIVER
Andrew Tope, Sr. • Owner - Operator
Mobile 831-596-6969 St. Contr. Lic. #669057 ~ Insured PL & PD & Workers’ Comp.
April 2017 — Page 7
WATSONVILLE
Rotary Club’s Pioneer Series kicks off Nita Gizdich gives talk
By JOHANNA MILLER
O
File photo by Tarmo Hannula
Nita Gizdich
n March 29, the members of Watsonville Rotary and guests gathered at the Watsonville Elks Lodge for the first in a series of special monthly meetings. The Pioneer Series, according to Speaker Chair John Skinner, will focus on members of the community who have made a significant impact in local agriculture and farming. “We will be inviting agriculture pioneers of the valley to come tell us their own unique stories,” he said. A number of other Watsonville clubs and organiza-
tions have teamed up with Rotary to bring the series to fruition, including the Pajaro Valley Historical Association and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. Watsonville High’s Video Academy will be on hand each month as well to film each speech. Farm Bureau Executive Director Jess Brown introduced March’s special speaker, Nita Gizdich of Gizdich Ranch. Brown praised Gizdich for her continued efforts in making Gizdich Ranch a nationally-
recognized name and destination. “Nita has proven that one doesn’t have to have fancy connections or social media accounts to spread the word,” said Brown, explaining how Gizdich always keeps Gizdich Ranch pamphlets in her purse to share with whoever she can. Gizdich was born and raised in Watsonville after her father immigrated from Croatia. “My family all got into farming,” she said, and explained how she worked on
a farm outside the city until her father was able to buy his own land. She then married into the Gizdich family right out of high school. Over the years, Gizdich has created not only a household name brand of pies and other desserts, but also a popular destination to visit at her ranch on 55 Peckham Road. Brown also acknowledged Gizdich as a very important spokeswoman and advocate for farming. By having a ranch that is open to the public, people can see where their food comes from, and the importance of agriculture, Gizdich said.
WATSONVILLE
Senior researcher joins Farm Fuel team
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
D
r. Joji Muramoto recently joined Farm Fuel part-time as senior researcher/consultant to conduct research improving the efficiency of mustard seed meal and ASD applications and products. He is also available as a field consultant to Farm Fuel clients. He has been working on the Central Coast for the past 20 years. With degrees in soil science and agricultural chemistry from the Tokyo University of Agriculture in Japan, Dr. Muramoto has extensive experience in research on soil fertility and soil-borne disease management in vegetable production and organic strawberries. He is a well-known speaker at local farmer education events
www.CaliforniaStrawberries.com
Contributed
Dr. Joji Muramoto has joined Farm Fuel. and can often be found in the field setting up trials and record-
ing data. He also works for the Department of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz as an associate researcher (Soil Science and Agroecology). Current research projects include optimizing anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) in California strawberries, a collaborative research and extension network for sustainable organic production systems in coastal California, and immobilizing mineralized nitrogen from cole crop residues using organic amendments. Dr. Muramoto is available as part of the Farm Fuel team to assist growers who want to make their farming operations more sustainable. He can be reached at joji@farmfuelinc. com or (831) 763-3950.
Page 8 — April 2017
NATION
USDA seeks project proposals to protect and restore wetlands CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
WASHINGTON — Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing up to $15 million in technical and financial assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. Restored wetlands improve water quality downstream and improve wildlife habitat, while also providing flood prevention and recreational benefits to communities. Funding will be provided thr o u g h t h e We t l a n d R e serve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a Farm Bill conservation program. The partnership is administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the
leading federal agency for wetland conservation on private lands. “These strong, locally led partnerships help improve water quality, prevent flooding, enhance wildlife habitat and provide landowners the financial resources needed to voluntarily conserve our lands,” Young said. Easements enable landowners to adopt a variety of conservation practices that improve the function and condition of wetlands. The voluntary nature of NRCS’ easement programs enables integration of wetland restoration on working landscapes, providing benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program, as well as benefits to the local and rural communities where the wetlands exist. This year, NRCS is encouraging partners to propose projects that focus on improving water quality as well
Tarmo Hannula/Register-Pajaronian
Recent rains have kept area waterways brimming, including Watsonville Slough off of Ohlone Parkway.
as habitat on working landscapes in high-priority areas, ranging from the sagebrush of the West to the Chesapeake
Bay. A number of at-risk species rely on wetlands, including the American black duck, bog turtle, wood turtle, spot-
HORTICULTURE
ted turtle, Blandings turtle and greater sage-grouse as well as a variety of mussel and fish species.
Proposals must be submitted to NRCS state offices by April 24. For information, visit tinyurl. com/zx8bsyd.
MONTEREY
Summer vegetables Date, theme announced enjoy warming weather for Monterey County Fair P I By TONY TOMEO
f there are any cool season vegetables left in the garden, they should probably be harvested pretty soon. If left too much longer, they will be ruined by warming weather. Cabbage will bolt (start to bloom) once it realizes that it is spring. Cauliflower and broccoli, which are juvenile flowers, will become bitter as the flowers mature and try to bloom. Besides, they all need to get out of the way. Warm season vegetables need the space. Tomato, pepper, eggplant, zucchini and other squash plants are ready to disperse their roots and get to growing. They are usually planted as seedlings because only a few of each are needed. A few seedlings of each type are more reliable, but not much more expensive than a packet of seeds; and they do not need to take the time to germinate. However, because they are so easy to grow, seed for zucchini and other squash, as well as melon, are popularly sown directly where plants are desired. There was no need to sow them indoors earlier to plant in the garden as seedlings now. Onions can be grown from seed for late harvest, or they can be grown from juvenile onions known as “sets” for earlier harvest or for green onions. There are two main reasons why cucumbers, beans and corn should be grown from seed, although cucumber seedlings can be practical if only a few are desired. Otherwise, so many individual plants are needed that it would be relatively expensive to purchase enough seedlings. The main reason for sowing seed directly is that their seedlings are sensitive to the stress of transplanting. Tomato, zucchini and beans are likely the most popular of warm season vegetables because they are so productive and reliable, even in limited space. Pole beans can be grown on trellises against fences or walls in very tight spots. Corn is less popular because it needs so much space, and needs to be watered so regularly. Too few plants may not be adequate for cross pollination. Pepper and eggplant, as well as okra, are not too demanding, but appreciate rich soil, regular watering and warm exposure. Highlight: Algerian ivy This is one of those plants that many of us have strong feelings about. Many of us who remember it from when it was more popular in the 1970s might
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
Contributed
Tomatoes are one of the most popular of warm season vegetables.
aying tribute to the 50th anniversary of 1967’s “Summer of Love,” the Monterey County Fair announced April 7 that this year’s theme for the Aug. 31Sept. 4 event will be “Fair Fun in the Summer of Love.” The fair also unveiled its new poster for this year’s event featuring the artwork of Jo Mora (1876-1947), a Carmel artist, sculptor, author and muralist. The colorful poster features a fairy princess carrying a shining star wand, sitting in a flower-bedecked coach with lightning bugs providing light and beetles resting from pulling the coach. The image is an illustration from Mora’s children’s book “Budgee Budgee Cottontail.” Mora wrote the story and did the illustrations in 1936 while he was traveling around the world on a freighter with his family. But it was not published until 1995, based on a promise Mora’s son, Joey, made to his father to see that it find the light of day. The image comes from the Jo Mora Trust and is the fourth time that one of Mora’s illustrations has been used by the Monterey County Fair for its poster. “We’re really honored to be able to again use one of Jo Mora’s wonderful illustrations because it perfectly captures the spirit and sense of fun
Contributed
Jo Mora's artwork has been chosen for the poster of the Monterey County Fair. of 1967’s Summer of Love,” said Kelly Violini, Monterey County Fair CEO. “We have some exciting concerts and special events planned to celebrate our 81st year, which we feel is better and stronger than ever. The fair may be one day shorter this year, but it will have all of the same
features as previous years and allows us to tighten our offerings and focus on making it better and more of a value for everyone.” The Monterey County Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 31-Monday, Sept. 4. For information, visit www.montereycountyfair.com.
STATE
Algerian ivy grown as groundcover can become a vine to climb trees. Contributed
consider Algerian ivy, Hedera canariensis, to be an aggressively invasive weed. Those of us who are less familiar with it might appreciate it as a vigorous and resilient groundcover that gets dense enough to exclude most other weeds. Without regular pruning for confinement, Algerian ivy grown as groundcover becomes a vine to climb trees, fences, walls and anything else it can get into. As the vines mature and get closer to the top of their support, they develop shrubby adult growth. Algerian ivy can easily ruin the surfaces that it climbs, or overwhelm shrubbery and trees,
but might not be so bad on bare concrete walls. Well contained Algerian ivy might get about two feet deep. The glossy dark green leaves are about six inches wide, with three or five rounded corners. Leaves of vining or adult growth are smaller and more rounded. New plants are very easy to propagate from cuttings or by layering. “Ghost ivy” is delightfully variegated with white, but usually loses variegation as new growth replaces the old. ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at lghorticulture@aol.com.
Farm leader: CVP announcement shows operation of water system is ‘out of whack’ CONTRIBUTED
A
fter the federal Central Valley Project reported it expects to deliver only 65 percent of contract water supplies to its agricultural water contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger said the announcement shows how operation of the state’s water system remains in need of an overhaul. “In the alternate universe of California water, we can have floods, full reservoirs and a huge snowpack and still not have full water supplies. It boggles the mind,” Wenger said.
“Operation of our water system remains out of whack. We need to continue efforts to improve and expand the system,” he said. “In Congress, passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act last year marked an important step in addressing the system’s inadequacies. Congress must now follow through with measures such as Rep. David Valadao’s Gaining Responsibility on Water Act, which would offer longer-term ability to store and move water.” Wenger said farmers and ranchers will also press Congress to modernize endangered-species laws, “to balance the goals of environ-
mental restoration with the ability to provide the resources needed to grow food and farm products.” At the state level, he said, California must move as quickly as possible to invest money from the Proposition 1 water bond into storage projects that provide the state with more ability to store water in wet winters such as this. “Improved storage capacity, both above and below ground, is crucial to California’s long-term ability to withstand droughts, protect against floods and gain the flexibility needed to allow people and the environment to thrive,” Wenger said.
April 2017 — Page 9
SALINAS VALLEY
CALENDAR
Farmers, state agencies work on drinking water replacement program CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
A
coalition of farmers has joined with state and local regulators to produce a replacement drinking water plan for Salinas Valley residents whose groundwater supplies are contaminated with unsafe levels of nitrate. Working in cooperation with the State Water Resources Control Board and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Salinas Basin Agricultural Stewardship Group, LLC has agreed to supply drinking water to communities in the Salinas Valley whose drinking water is above the standard for nitrates. The temporary program will be organized and funded by the members of the stewardship group, a coalition of local agricultural owners and operators. It will run for up to two years while the parties work toward permanent solutions to respond to the challenges of nitrate accumulation in Salinas basin groundwater. “Ensuring that communities have safe, affordable drinking water is a high priority of the State Water Board,” said Jonathan Bishop, chief deputy director at the State Water Board. “We welcome the leadership of the stewardship group in stepping up to this important challenge. And we look forward to working with them and others across the community toward longterm solutions.” The temporary program covers small water systems and some domestic wells used by about 850 residents in the rural area. The Coalition for Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES), which is coordinating the program, is contacting residents whose water sources have levels of nitrate above the drinking water standard. Delivery of the replacement water will begin this month. Nitrate contamination of groundwater is one of the most serious water quality challenges facing rural communities in California. Over the last decade, the Central Coast Water Board has been at the forefront of identifying communities at-risk for nitrate contamination and working to ensure clean drinking water options are available. “Protecting the health of those dependent on groundwater for their drinking water goes to the core of
April 22
(831) 375-9400.
Salinas Earth Day Celebration
Natividad Creek Park, Salinas. A day of environmental service and events, including an Eco Egg Hunt for younger volunteers to learn about their local environment. Free of charge. RSVP for volunteer groups of 10 or more. For information, contact Lauren Krohmer at (831) 582-3686.
our board’s mission,” said Central Coast Water Board Chairman Dr. Jean-Pierre Wolff. “This collaborative agreement offers the opportunity to provide interim safe drinking water to some of those in need — and represents a big step in the right direction.” The State Water Board’s Office of Enforcement and the Central Coast Water Board are suspending their current replacement water enforcement programs against parties that join the stewardship group for as long as two years while this new program is instituted. Landowners who wish to become a member of the stewardship group still have time to join. “We’re going to allow about a month for folks to join the group and take advantage of the enforcement standstill before we start looking at further enforcement against noncooperative parties,” said Cris Carrigan, director of the Office of Enforcement for the State Water Board. The state and regional water boards credited the stewardship group’s leadership as one of the keys to creating the temporary drinking water program. “The stewardship group members are pleased to partner in this important pilot program to answer the immediate needs of households whose drinking water from domestic wells contains nitrate exceeding the maximum contaminant level,” said Joe Pezzini, stewardship group member and president/CEO of Ocean Mist Farms. “Safe drinking water is certainly a basic need and we must now work together on an effective, lasting solution involving our entire community,” Pezzini added. “As a group, we are focused on a long-term solution that balances community concerns, including the safety of our water sources, the health of our people, and the productivity of our local economy that supports us all. We look forward to working with governmental agencies, including the State Water Board, and other local interests to build a cooperative organization with the resources needed to resolve this community challenge.” The State Water Board, Central Coast Water Board and the stewardship group will host a community meeting in the Salinas area soon to provide additional information and answer questions about the agreement.
April 29
Zoo To You Wine Stroll
Parrish Family Vineyard, 1220 Park St., Paso Robles. Join the Paso Robles Downtown Wineries in an afternoon of wine tasting and interaction with exotic animals. Net proceeds from the event will benefit local organization Conservation Ambassadors. Wristbands are $20, which include a keepsake glass. Order online at brownpapertickets.com. April 29-30
Farm & Garden Spring Plant Sale
UCSC’s annual Spring Plant Sale will celebrate its 50th anniversary, featuring old favorites and new selections along with recent varieties that thrive in the Monterey Bay region. Friends of the Farm & Garden members can enjoy a “members hour” from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday. For information, call (831) 459-3240 or email casfs@ucsc.edu. May 6
Templeton Wine Festival
Templeton Park. Join the Templeton Chamber of Commerce from 1-5 p.m. for wine tasting, live music, specialty food samples and boutique shopping booths. No outside alcohol, coolers or pets allowed. Tickets are $35 pre-sale and $45 at door. Non-drinking attendees, including children, tickets are $20. Visit templetonwinefestival.com for information. May 7
Monterey Winemaker’s Celebration
Down to Earth Women Luncheon
May 18-21
Salinas Valley Fair
Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos, 242 Corralitos Road, Watsonville. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., local women in agriculture will gather to support the Focus Agriculture Program, the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s school programs. For information and sponsorship prices, contact the Farm Bureau at (831) 724-5821.
625 Division St., King City. Annual fair features exhibits, Future Farmers of America and 4-H shows, shopping, entertainment, food and more. For information, call (831) 385-3243 or email info@ salinasvalleyfair.com.
May 12-14
Paso Robles Downtown City Park. More than 70 wineries will showcase their wines and offer tastings. New this year are food samples and local artisan merchants. Live music by by Ricky Montijo & the Mojitos and Guitar Circus will play throughout the weekend. For information visit pasowine.com.
39th Annual Spring Plant Sale
Cabrillo College, Aptos. Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend at Central California’s largest annual plant sale. More than 1,000 different organics vegetables, perennials, annuals, herbs, flowers and more will be for sale. All plants are student-grown. Call (831) 479-6241 or visit cabrillo.edu for information. May 13
May 18-21
Paso Robles Wine Festival
June 3-4
Castroville Artichoke Festival
Jewell Park, Central and Grand Avenues, Pacific Grove, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by the UC Master Gardeners of Monterey Bay. Free admission. Expert speakers, live demonstrations and children’s activities. For information, email fair@mgmb.org.
Monterey County Fair Events Center. June 3 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and June 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 58th annual artichoke festival features local chef demonstrations, a wine and beer garden, a Kids Zone, musical entertainment and and Agro Art competition. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for active military and seniors (62-plus) and $5 children over 5. Groups discounts available. For information, visit artichokefestival.org.
May 13
June 4
Smart Gardening Fair 2017, Pacific Grove
Spring 4-H Fair/Day on the Farm
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville. Santa Cruz County 4-H will hold their annual Spring Fair along with Day on the Farm. See animals, exhibits and participate in activities such as gardening and crafts. For information, contact Julie Katawicz at (831) 763-8015 or jkatawicz@ ucanr.edu. May 13
Dolores Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Winemakers of Monterey County will offer samples of more than 100 wines. Tickets are $65 for general admission times, 1-4 p.m., and $95 for VIP times, 12-1 p.m. Contact the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association for information at
Tackitt Family Vineyards raises $44K for foundation
May 11
To order tickets and for information, visit centralcoastciderfestival.com.
Central Coast Cider Festival
Atascadero Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Paso Robles. Come to taste a number of ciders, an English Pig Roast dinner prepared by Chef Jefferey Scott and enjoy live music. Must be 21-plus to enter. Tickets are between $55 and $65.
Paso Pinot & Paella Festival
Templeton Community Park, Templeton. Pinto Noir producers and local chefs will once again share an afternoon of wine, Paella dishes and live music. Mingle with winemakers and visit each chef, exclusive to the Central Coast. Visit pinotandpaella.com for information. June 22
SC County Farm Bureau’s 100th Annual Meeting
Watsonville Slough Farms - Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, 5:45-9 p.m. Featured speaker for the celebration will be Secretary of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross. The 2017 Farmer of the Year recipient will be announced. To purchase tickets and for information, visit sccfb.com.
San Miguel Flouring Mill Co., Inc.
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SAN MIGUEL — Tackitt Family Vineyards opened its door to the public for their sixth annual Warriors Helping Warriors event. The annual event offers participants the opportunity to learn about wine making and bottling process first hand, while enjoying live music, brick oven pizzas and wine tasting. The event supported the EOC Warrior Foundation. The nonprofit organization seeks to help Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force returning from combat with disabilities, as well as the families of fallen EOD warriors. "It's an honor for us to play a role in this important event and help such a great organization that goes on to help so many of our EOD warriors," said Leon Tackitt, owner of Tackitt Family Vineyards.
Annual Spring
April 1-30
Tanks for Water, Rain Harvesting & Transport 55 gal.- 15,500 gal. Below Ground Tanks for SAVE Water, Septic, $280 or irrigation UP TO
Infiltrator Leach System No Rock or Pipe Needed
Feed, seed, and elevator service. SAVE UP TO
$700
Family owned and operated for five generations.
10% OFF
1401 N Street, San Miguel, CA 93451 First Come, First Served. All purchses must be made by April 30th 2017 to qualify. May be extended waiting period between order and delivery.
805-467-3287
Page 10 — April 2017
C & N Tractors 496 Salinas Rd. Watsonville, CA 95076 831-722-2733
2690 Ramada Dr. Paso Robles, CA 805-237-3855
www.kubota.com *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. Optional equipment may be shown. ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016