Women in agtech: Fatma Kaplan
Editor’s Note: The following profile is an excerpt from Amy Wu’s book, “From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators Revolutionizing How Our Food is Grown,” which tells the stories of women entrepreneurs who are transforming agriculture through high technology.
Fatma Kaplan’s advice to her younger self...
Wine competition accepting entries
Entries are now being accepted for the Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC), which takes place June 21-22 in Paso Robles.
A welcome tradition
The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival will return to the Monterey County Fair and Event Center for two full days of cooking demonstrations, activities, exhibits and entertainment.
Hartnell College awarded $9.5M grant to support students in agricultural careers
SALINAS — Hartnell College has been awarded a $9.5 million grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s inaugural NEXTGEN program.
The official announcement was made during a presentation by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington, D.C., on June 20.
“This...
Irrigation enhancement project helps farmers regulate water usage
A new irrigation enhancement project has seen positive results for farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.
King City farm labor contractors receive suspended prison sentences for workers’ compensation fraud
KING CITY — Monterey County Judge Rafael Vasquez has sentenced King City residents and farm labor contractors Elias Perez Jr., 43, and Alejandra Perez, 40, to three years in prison for insurance fraud committed between 2013 and 2017.
Vasquez also suspended those prison sentences, placing...
King City mural dedication ceremony reflects on agriculture’s impact
KING CITY — King City in Bloom hosted a dedication ceremony on June 24 for the recently completed mural, “A Tribute to Cattle Ranching and the Salinas Valley Fair,” which is the organization’s third historic mural in the town.
Project co-chair Steve Schmidt spoke...
Federal forestry cuts fuel wildfire, resource concerns in California
CALIFORNIA — As wildfire conditions across California are expected to increase steadily through the summer, state officials last month expressed concerns about cuts in staff and funding at federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, a division within the Agriculture Department that partners with...
New mural honors Salinas Valley Fairgrounds and ranchers
KING CITY — A new mural is in the works on the side of Pete’s Towing, with artwork that pays tribute to Salinas Valley ranching and the Salinas Valley Fair.
The project is being spearheaded by King City in Bloom, with art direction by Jennifer...
Antle receives 2025 Distinguished Trustee Award from Community Foundation for Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY — Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) Board of Directors presented the Distinguished Trustee Award to Tonya Antle during the annual Celebration of Philanthropy on Oct. 1 at The Club at Pasadera.
Antle was recognized for the passion and commitment she brings to everything...

















