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Agri-Culture gets $2 million from Lakeside Organic Gardens

February 2016

Meyer Tomatoes building to become a farmworker housing facility

Agriculture Learning Center in the works

By SAMANTHA BENGTSON

Staff report

Of the Land

WATSONVILLE — The Peixoto family of Lakeside Organic Gardens contributed $2 million to Agri-Culture for the development of an organic and sustainable agriculture learning center. “Dick Peixoto’s dream of having an educational facility to showcase organic farming is closer to becoming a reality,” said Katie Bassmann, spokesperson for Lakeside Organic Gardens. “Dick and this center will be a resource for people interested in starting an organic farm, learning about organic farming or those just interested in seeing how their food is grown organically.” The facility, which is still in the planning stages, will incorporate education, history, techniques and future innovations of organic farming. All aspects of organic and sustainable agriculture will be benefited, including careers in organic farming. Lakeside will be working directly with Agri-Culture, Inc. to facilitate the development of the fund and learning center.

One stop on the EcoFarm Tour led guests through the many greenhouses at Whiskey Hill Farms on Calabasas Road. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

Organic conference draws hundreds

Event includes farm tour By TODD GUILD and TARMO HANNULA Of the Land

WATSONVILLE — Approximately 150 people from around the world boarded three busses Jan. 20, and then traipsed through rows of fertile soil saturated by weeks of rain, greenhouses

bursting with fresh produce and working farms. The tour of four organic farms was part of the annual EcoFarm Conference, a three-day event at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove. The conference is a brief epicenter of the organic farming industry; a

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Red crabs wash ashore in rare appearance By TARMO HANNULA Of the Land

Thousands of pelagic red crabs recently washed ashore in Monterey as a result of El Nino and changing water temperatures. Photo courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium, Patrick Webster

MONTEREY — Researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium have recently observed Pelagic red crabs —also know as tuna crabs or langostilla—washing up along Monterey Bay beaches. Pelagic red crabs are in the squat lobster family—a group of crustaceans midway between true lobsters and true crabs. While their “pelagic” description refers to their life in the open ocean, the largest and oldest crabs (about two years old) appear to be found only on the deep sea floor of the continental shelf, MBA officials said. “The pelagic red crabs are usually found off of the Baja in Mexico in open waters,” said Dan Albro, senior trainer at the MBA. “They have a beautiful red color. Their presence here is definitely an indicator that El Nino is indeed happening in full swing.” Albro said the crabs began appearing in October in the thousands. “They made a reappearance closer to shore this week,” Albro said. “And that means we’re seeing greater numbers of western and Heermann’s gulls because they feed on them.” Albro added that with the rising temperature of the sea, experts are keeping an eye on water temperatures and the health of the animals in the bay. “We’re seeing all kinds of different patterns,” he said. Pelagic red crabs tend to mate in the winter and mass stranding events like the recent ones don’t closely correlate to the breeding season. MBA officials said the crab strandings are a rare sight in the area. The last time they made their way this far was in 1983. The arrival of the crabs has also brought a few of their close associates to the area, including the first bluefin tuna to come into the Monterey Bay in a decade.

KING CITY — Farmworker housing is being considered by King City and the Meyer Tomatoes building is a big part of that conversation. King City is an agricultural community and as a result having affordable housing for farmworkers is a problem and source of sleepless nights for agricultural businesses in the area. To offset this problem a proposal came before City Council to allow temporary farmworker housing at the Meyer Tomatoes building at the end of Broadway and First Street. “The city has been working diligently to identify feasible locations and projects to increase farmworker housing and I think we’ve been successful in identifying some very promising prospects for the future,” said Steve Adams, city manager. “But we have not been successful in identifying that would work in the short term basis.” The proposal comes from David Gill, resident and business owner, and would modify the building and change it into a temporary H2A farm worker housing facility. Gill is pushing to get the project up and running in the next few months. The City Council were presented with an expedited process that would involve rezoning and a conditional use permit to allow Gill to begin construction for the project. The temporary use that the city is looking at would cover five years in a barracks-style arrangement. The project proposal has been submitted to the department heads at the city and in the public safety aspect, Interim Police Chief Anthony Sollecito pushed for a security plan and supervision or a caretaker for the property year-round. The agricultural workers would be in the facility from April to end of October. “I definitely support this concept,” said Mike Lebarre, council member. “I’ve long been advocating for the need of the agriculture employee housing here in South County.” Please turn to Page 4

Inside ... Fungus Fair

Science Workshop

King City 4-H

Farm loans

2 The Land - February 2016

Fungus Fair draws thousands By TARMO HANNULA Of the Land

SANTA CRUZ — The 42nd annual Fungus Fair was staged Jan. 8-10 at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Thousands of people flooded the building to learn about the world of wild mushrooms, how to cook with them, make art and even dye fabric with fungi. “This is my first time at this fair and it really is quite the show,” said Joshua Haney of San Francisco, who was working at the Just Mushroom Stuff vendor’s table. “I’ve been working fungus fairs for the last eight years in places like LA and Seattle. There’s never a dull moment. Everybody is always friendly and interested. It’s a wide variety of people. Everybody likes mushrooms.” Cindi Adcock of Santa Cruz said this was her first time to attend the fair. “Mushrooms are cool,” she said. “I love to foray for mushrooms. They can be so beautiful and fun to photo. I like how they are displayed here; it’s very well done. I

like the king trumpets and the lion’s mane.” Adcock said she planned to head home and make a candy cap cake. Candy cap mushrooms are sweet and smell like maple syrup. The event is punctuated with kids activities, cooking and wine pairing demos, arts and crafts and lectures by nationally and locally renowned speakers. Jennifer Seeley said she chose to volunteer at the event for the exposure. “Mushrooms are cool and I like to photograph and draw them,” she said. “I do pencil drawings. This event is really a big draw. So far there have been about 2,000 people.” Expert mushroom hunter Phil Carpenter said this year was a step up compared to last year as far as finding wild mushrooms and the drought go. “The mushroom season this year was off to a slow start but things are now starting to open up,” Carpenter said. “We’ve had some good, soaking rains. Though we’re still not seeing the great numbers of mushrooms this year, we are seeing some mushrooms come through the door, thanks to the public, that we’ve never seen before and that’s exciting.” One such specimen someone brought in was a rare stalked-cup ascomycete, which is the size of a head of pin. Carpenter said they grow in great numbers, which makes

Debbie Viess models a hat that was made of wool that was entirely dyed with mushrooms. The hat was made by Arleen Bessette. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

them easier to spot. Carpenter said he was excited to see a pair of 10-year-old girls looking at a mushroom display, asking questions and wanting to learn more about them.

“It’s so important to see young people with a thirst for learning,” Carpenter said. “These two girls were so curious — it was just wonderful.”

PUBLISHER John Bartlett publisher@register-pajaronian.com

EDITOR Erik Chalhoub editor@register-pajaronian.com

EDITORIAL STAFF Tarmo Hannula, Todd Guild, Samantha Bengtson

ADVERTISING Tina Chavez tinac@register-pajaronian.com Adriana Novack anovack@register-pajaronian.com Allison Stenberg astenberg@register-pajaronian.com Sheryl Bailey sheryl@southcountynewspapers.com Jon Allred jon@southcountynewspapers.com

ART AND DESIGN Mike Lyon

The Land is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. The Land made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. The Land is a division of the Register-Pajaronian and South County Newspapers.

Thousands of people showed up for the three-day Fungus Fair in Santa Cruz. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

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Witches butter, a form of mushroom, thrives on the end of a tree stump in Live Oak. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

The Land - February 2016 3

Environmental Science Workshop coordinator returns Gabrielson gives presentation of doings in E. Timor

Curt Gabrielson (center), who used to head up the Watsonville Environmental Science Curt Gabrielson (rear, center) is shown in 2013 working with educators in East Timor. Workshop, is shown in 2014 demonstrating an educational hands-on science project in East Contributed photo Timor. Contributed photo

By TARMO HANNULA Of the Land

WATSONVILLE — After leaving Watsonville four years ago, Curt Gabrielson, who once headed up the Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop, is back for a brief stay. His visit to the area will include a lecture and photo presentation about the work he has been doing in Timor-Leste (East Timor). His contributions there includes working on curriculum development and teacher training in the areas of science

and mathematics through the National Commission for UNESCO (TL NatCom) In 2013 the Ministry of Education hired Gabrielson to join a team that was completely reforming the primary school curriculum, overseeing both mathematics and science, a two-year project. “In 2015 I returned to the U.S. with my family for brief trip to see friends and relatives,” Gabrielson said. “We will be returning to work in Timor-Leste in January 2016.” Gabrielson said his work in East Timor included hands-on activities based on

simple elements of local culture and local experience that incorporated elements of mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry and geology. The original Community Science Workshop was founded in the Mission District of San Francisco in 1991. It was eventually relocated in Watsonville and was founded at Marinovich Park with support from National Science Foundation seed grant in 1997 under the oversight of the City of Watsonville Parks and Recreation Department. The free, drop-in program, largely

designed for area youth, is also currently serving several schools at their after-school sites as well as several other non-school sites throughout Watsonville with support from the school district and various grants. The current coordinator of WESW is Jose Sandoval. Gabrielson gave a brief presentation about his recent book, “Tinkering — Kids Learn by Making Stuff,” and a talk about his doings in East Timor on Jan. 6.

El Nino hits region Pooling rain water floods a strawberry field on Salinas Road in Royal Oaks as El Nino-driven storms struck the region. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

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Organic Conference confluence of farmers, businesspeople, gardeners and others who have incorporated sustainable agriculture practices into their lives. More than that, it is a place to promote and enhance education of the industry at a time when growing numbers of people throughout the U.S. are demanding organic food. This year’s participants, more than 1,500, came from Cuba, Mexico, Canada and Guatemala, in addition to 20 U.S. states. Attendee Harriet Behar works for Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service in Spring Valley, Wis., an organization that promotes organic farming in that part of the country and hosts its own organic farming conference. Behar said that most farmers know that conventional farming, which utilizes pesticides and herbicides, is harmful and that switching would offer numerous benefits. Such a switch is difficult, however, hence the need for a vigorous education program, Behar said. “I’m very interested in organic farming, and I like seeing new ways of doing things,” she said. For some participants, the conference was also a way to promote organic farming to young people, said co-organizer Richard Smith. That is particularly important as older generations of farmers look for someone to keep their farms going after they retire, Smith said. “When you create a farm, it’s more than just a business,” he said. Tom Dinwoodie of Central Valley Buckeyes in Atwater agreed. “It gives young people hope that they can succeed,” he said. Javier Zamora of JSM Organics in Royal Oaks said he has been attending the conference since he launched the business four years ago. “This is a connection,” he said. “It’s like going to a rock concert where you’re waiting for it and excited to see the people.” In addition to learning new farming techniques and other aspects of the agriculture industry, Zamora said he has also bolstered his business through networking. “I met two of my biggest customers at the EcoFarm Conference,” he said. Kristen Morrison, who works at Preston Winery in Healdsburg, said the tour marked her second time with EcoFarm. “I find it really interesting, looking into the process and production of the various farms and businesses,” she said. “We get to sample products and learn about new cutting edge ways to produce healthy foods. It’s always good to learn new ways of farming.” Chris Pisani works with a company in Napa that has been producing organic wines for more than 20 years. “Being involved with organic wine, EcoFarm is really the only such event of its kind,” he said. “They’ve taught us about the magic and benefits of composting. You always meet interesting people and make valuable connections.”

Meyer Tomatoes The farmworkers/agriculture employees would have very strict rules that would prohibit them from drinking and doing drugs on the premise. Belinda Hendrickson, council member, also asked that no guns be premitted on the premises. As far as visitors, Gill said that his businesses did not anticipate the temporary housing residents to have visitors. “It’s existing in a lot of places, the county just approved an 800-unit complex in Spreckles and there’s one being considered in Gonzales,” said Gill. “There will be more built in South County as we can find more places to build them. It’s going to be an expensive proposition but the workers are very short in our industry right now and housing is something we have to have.” The workers would also be transported by bus and only five percent of the workers would have vehicles. Since the workers would be living downtown, Gill is anticipating that a lot of business will

Continued from page 1

Guests on the 36th annual EcoFarm Tour hear how ethanol fuel is made at Blume Distillation on Calabasas Road in Watsonville with the help of Rob Re (right). Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

This demonstration showed how clean ethanol burns, compared to gasoline (right), which sent up a column of dark black smoke and turned the glass cup jet black within seconds. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

Continued from page 1

be brought to that area because of the farmworker housing. “Things have been very difficult for the last few years here in King City and I personally believe that it’s time to lift up our heads, step forward in confidence and get some things going,” said Suzanne Krause, business owner. “We are a farm working community and as farming businesses grow a large workforce is going to be required and more suitable housing is also going to be required.” Smith-Monterey is considering coming into the project as a partner with Gill. The Council made a motion to have Adams execute an early agreement with Gills Onions and Rio Farms and allow farmworker housing with a conditional use permit. The motion was unanimous with the exception of Mayor Pro-tem Karen Jernigan who recused herself from the issue.

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The Land - February 2016 5

Lakeside Organic Gardens

Continued from page 1

“The public has shown us a strong interest in organic and sustainable agriculture,” said Dick Peixoto, founder of Lakeside Organic Gardens. “I feel strongly that the proposed learning center will create opportunities that will allow the public to advance its knowledge while encouraging careers in organic agriculture through education and focused training programs.” In receiving the gift, AgriCulture, Inc. President, Steve Bontadelli said, “We are honored to be chosen to help Dick Peixoto and his family fulfill their dream of providing educational programs focused on organic and sustainable agriculture. Our area has been the leader in organic and sustainable agriculture. It’s wonderful that the program Dick Peixoto envisions will benefit the public, the industry and our local area.” Jess Brown, Executive Director of Agri-Culture, Inc. said, “Other individuals, corporations, foundations, etc. that see the importance of this vision are encouraged to donate to the fund so that more programs can be provided.”

Dick Peixoto, founder of Lakeside Organic Gardens, passes a check for $2 million to Jess Brown, Executive Director of Agri-Culture. Contributed photo

King City Blue Ribbon 4-H members show appreciation to local businesses and volunteers By DAVID GONZALEZ For the Land

KING CITY — On Dec. 21, the King

City Blue Ribbon 4-H officers were able to show their gratitude to some of the local businesses and volunteers who contribute to the success of their 4-H year. The 4-H officers spread some holiday

cheer by presenting them with a card and plate of Christmas cookies, along with a brief speech from an officer. The local businesses included KRKC, L.A. Hearne, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church,

The Rustler, and First Capital Bank. The Volunteers included Saul Martinez and George Gonzalez, custodians from Del Rey School.

The Blue Ribbon 4-H hold up cookies they distributed to local businesses and volunteers. Pictured, from left to right: Beth Bryant, Amy Hughes, Andy Pozzi, Bryce Umbarger, Mary Pozzi, David Gonzalez, Josh Cenobio, Jesse Ledezma and Alex Cenobio. Submitted photo

6 The Land - February 2016

USDA announces farm California Rodeo Salinas seeks Hall of Fame microloans SUBMITTED ARTICLE Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced Jan. 19 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will be especially helpful to beginning farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations. “Many producers, especially new and underserved farmers, tell us that access to land is one of the biggest challenges they face in establishing and growing their own farming operation,” said Harden. “USDA is making it easier for new farmers to hit the ground running

and get access to the land that they need to establish their farms or improve their property.” The microloan program, which celebrates its third anniversary this week, has been successful, providing more than 16,800 low-interest loans, totaling over $373 million to producers across the country. Microloans have helped farmers and ranchers with operating costs, such as feed, fertilizer, tools, fencing, equipment, and living expenses since 2013. Seventy percent of loans have gone to new farmers. Now, microloans will be available to also help with farm land and building purchases, and soil and water conservation improvements. FSA designed the expanded program to simplify the application process, expand eligibility requirements and expedite smaller real estate loans to help farmers strengthen their operations. Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers, and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). This microloan announcement is another USDA resource for America’s farmers and ranchers to utilize, especially as new and beginning farmers and ranchers look for the assistance they need to get started. To learn more about the FSA microloan program visit www.fsa. usda.gov/microloans, or contact your local FSA office. To find your nearest office location, visit offices.usda.gov.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden

Friends of the California State Fair offer money for college SUBMITTED ARTICLE Friends of the California State Fair is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2016-2017 academic school year. The application is available at CAStateFair.org. Scholarships will be awarded in the following areas: agriculture, animal science, arts, business, culinary, education, enology, event planning, fair industry management, international studies, teaching and viticulture. This program seeks to motivate well-rounded, high academic achievers that will be enrolled in a four-year accredited college/university, community college or trade school program in the state of California for the 2016-2017 school year. Applications are due Thursday, March 3. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of personal commitment, goals established for their chosen field, leadership potential and civic accomplishments. All applicants are also eligible for the Ironstone Concours d’Elegance $5,000 outstanding candidate scholarship.  The Friends of the Fair Scholarship Program was initiated in 1993 and is a collaborative effort of the Friends of the California State Fair, the

California Exposition & State Fair and the California State Fair Agricultural Advisory Council. Major yearly contributors to the fund include Ironstone Concours d’Elegance Foundation, Blue Diamond Growers, Western Fairs Association, California Milk Advisory Board and Bob & Beverly Gilbert. The recipients of the scholarships will be honored at the Friends of the California State Fair Gala on June 23.  Information about categories, eligibility, and the application process can be found at CAStateFair.org. Additional questions can be directed to Natalie Minas at (916) 263-3277 or scholarship@calexpo.com. The California State Fair will run July 8-24.

nominations SUBMITTED ARTICLE SALINAS — Just six years after starting the prestigious club that is the California Rodeo Salinas’ Hall of Fame, the roster includes more than 40 legends of rodeo including Jack Roddy, Leo & Jerold Camarillo, Ty Murray and Wilbur Plaugher. Inductees consist of contestants, performers, committee members, staff, supporters/contributors, livestock and notables who have impacted the history of the California Rodeo over the past 105 years. Nomination forms for the 2016 induction are due by Feb. 29. Forms can be found at www.carodeo.com by clicking on “About Us” and “History.” Forms are also available at the California Rodeo Office at 1034 N. Main St. in Salinas, Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Fridays

from 9- 11:45 a.m. and 1:15-5 p.m. The goal of the Hall of Fame is to preserve the heritage, history and traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas along with showcasing individuals, organizations and livestock whose distinctive contributions to the California Rodeo Salinas have helped keep the traditions of the West alive and made a mark on the Rodeo’s history. Inductees will be honored at the Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon on Thursday, July 21 at 11:30 a.m. on the Mike Storm Director’s Patio at the Salinas Sports Complex at 1034 N. Main St. The 2016 luncheon is sponsored by Jim Martins and Clifford & Marguerite Happy. For information, including biographies of the Hall of Fame members, visit www. carodeo.com. The 106th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 21-24.

Sol Treasures honored as Exemplary Non-Profit Organization for Arts and Culture SUBMITTED ARTICLE The Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County (NAMC) hosted the 2nd Annual Nonprofit Awards Celebration with a gourmet breakfast, entertainment, and award ceremony on Dec. 3 at Monterey’s Hyatt Regency. This event recognized exemplary nonprofit organizations and staff who “work tirelessly to make tremendous contributions to the community in Monterey County.” The mission of NAMC is to increase the capacity and collective power of the nonprofit industry for the benefit of all people in Monterey County. Sol Treasures received the award from NAMC for the exemplary nonprofit organization in Monterey County for Arts and Culture. Executive Director Betsy Oltmann and Board Member Paula Martinez accepted the award on behalf of Sol Treasures. President Sonia Chapa said, “We are humbled and honored by the NAMC award, and we will continue to offer programs to serve our community as a comprehensive art and cultural enrichment center in King City and

Southern Monterey County. “This award speaks to the vision and tireless work of the founders; the board members and staff, both current and past members; and our volunteers,” said Executive Director Betsy Oltmann. Sol Treasures offers a variety of programs for people of all ages and all groups in the community. Its annual programs include after-school arts and crafts classes for children, ages 6 to 18; two children’s theater productions; private or small group instruction in guitar, piano and band instruments; community choruses for students and adults; and a middle school band and SOLO Youth Orchestra. The Sol Treasures Gallery and Gift Shop offers 7-8 exhibits each year. Sol Treasures is the recipient of grants from the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Harden Foundation, S.T.A.R. Foundation, Lightning in a Bottle Art and Music Festival, Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation, Pebble Beach Company Foundation, King City Rotary Club, Arts Council for Monterey County, and Yellow Brick Road Benefit Fund Shop.

Emergency loans for family farms available Staff report SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Emergency loans for Santa Cruz County family farms and ranches impacted by the ongoing drought are now available, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced. On Dec. 23, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declared a drought-related disaster impacting 33 California counties, including Santa Cruz. Farms with losses dating back to Jan. 2, 2015 are eligible for assistance, up to a maximum of $500,000. Eligible losses include crops and physical assets, and the program is

open to Santa Cruz County farmers who conduct family-sized farming operations. The loan application deadline is Aug. 23. Farmers and ranchers interested in applying for a loan can contact the local Farm Service Agency located at Monterey County Farm Service agency on 744 La Guardia St., building A in Salinas, or call 424-1036. ••• Information can be found at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency website, www.fsa.usda. gov. Click on “State Offices” and select “California.”

The Land - February 2016 7

Clover buds visit King City, hold mock meeting

Cloverbuds visited Mayor Robert Cullen on Jan. 13 at the Council Chambers.

Cullen explained how the city government works and had the children perform a mock meeting with Avery Munoz presiding as Mayor. The meeting was followed by a tour where they met with the new City manager, Steve Adams. Cloverbuds are the primary members of King City Rural 4-H ages five to eight. Submitted photo

Chamber of Commerce welcomes new manager By SAMANTHA BENGTSON Of the Land

KING CITY — The Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture welcomed a new Chamber Manager recently as Brandi Schmidt-Garza completed her first week on the job. Schmidt-Garza is a life-long King City resident, married to Michael Garza and has two children, Wade and Rebecca. Schmidt-Garza heard about the opening at the Chamber of Commerce by walking into the King City Rustler office when columnist Joanne Banuelos told her that she would be perfect for that job. “I love King City and I want to do everything that I can to promote and help enhance all the good that our town has,” said Schmidt-Garza. “I think this is a good fit for me.” Schmidt-Garza said she loves putting together activities and things for people to do and letting people know that there are things to do in King City.

“We have the State of the City on January 27, we have the Big Event on February 20 honoring some amazing people and businesses and I’m just looking forward to diving into those two events to enhance what is great here,” said Schmidt-Garza. The State of the City will be a collaboration between Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce and the event will include a city update from Mayor Robert Cullen and City Manager Steve Adams. Erin King, Chamber president, will also be speaking at the event. The Big Event is also a main priority for Schmidt-Garza and currently she is working on the tickets, publicity and special recognitions. Schmidt-Garza and Erik Ruiz, assistant Chamber manager, along with Gerry Ramirez are working on Chamber membership. “Right I’m looking forward to just getting out in the community and getting to know different people and bringing them onto the Chamber,” said Schmidt-Garza. “I want to let people know all the good that

happens here and all the good businesses we have from food to restaurants to clothing stores, entertainment. There’s just a lot of really great people here that want to

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