KING CITY — Community pride and tradition filled the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds on March 21 as the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture hosted its Annual Awards Dinner, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work continues to shape South Monterey County.
The evening brought together local leaders, volunteers and residents for a celebration that included a silent and live auction, a no-host bar provided by the Knights of Columbus, dinner prepared by the King City Young Farmers and music by Boone’s Farm & the Honky Tonk Heat. Rob Cullen returned as master of ceremonies.
“Thanks to everyone who contributed to make our Annual Awards Dinner a fabulous event,” said Chamber Manager Janet Bessemer. “Special thanks to all who contributed auction items to the event; speechwriters and presenters; Rob Cullen for doing the MC honors once again; King City Young Farmers for a wonderful dinner; King City FFA Boosters for the beautiful sunflowers for the tables; Boone’s Farm & the Honky Tonk Heat for great music; the KCHS Interact Club for their assistance; and thanks to many others who helped plan, set up and clean up.”
Youth leadership recognized
Vivien Cullen was named recipient of the 2025 Hermie Robles Youth Award, recognizing her leadership across multiple organizations and activities. The award was presented by Jeff Hinderscheid.
A member of the King City Rural 4-H Club, Cullen has been involved in livestock raising since 2020, served as a healthy living officer and is currently club president (2025-26). She has also taken on leadership roles in the King City FFA and Rotary Interact Club, serving as Interact Club Community Service Chair (2025-26) and volunteering on community service events — including a mission trip to Uganda.
Cullen further demonstrated her leadership as a 4-H camp counselor in 2025 and is slated to serve again in 2026. She also contributes as a School Site Council member and participates on the 4-H Leadership Committee.
In addition to her service work, Cullen has spent more than a decade as a ballet dancer with Monterey County Dance Theatre, performing numerous roles in productions of “The Nutcracker,” including Clara’s Friend (2018), Fritz Silberhaus (2022) and Captain of the Guard (2025). She has also contributed choreography to local youth theater productions, including “Willy Wonka Jr.” and “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”
Century of community impact
King City Rotary Club was recognized as the 2025 Friend of the Community, coinciding with its 100th anniversary. Current Club President Jeffrey Dicks accepted the award, presented by Linda Benway, on behalf of the members.
Founded in March 1926, the organization is one of the first Rotary clubs in Northern California and has spent a century supporting local programs, scholarships and service projects. There has been multi-generational family involvement and a legacy of leadership over the past century, including the inclusion of women beginning in the early 1990s.
Rotary’s impact is seen through its signature events and programs. The annual Rotary Flea Market, established in 1969, draws thousands to the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds and supports scholarships through the King City Rotary Foundation. The club’s long-running Crab Feed/Surf & Turf Dinner and the Rabbit Run 5K and Fun Run also raise funds and encourage community participation.
Youth engagement remains a cornerstone of the organization’s mission. Rotary supports scholarships, book grants and student recognition programs, and partners with King City High School to support a thriving Interact Club of more than 70 students who actively volunteer in local events.
As part of its centennial celebration, the King City Rotary Foundation partnered with King City in Bloom to redesign Broadway Circle Park, incorporating such features as a Rotary wheel-shaped walking path, water-wise landscaping and a Peace Pole bearing the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
Family business legacy honored
The Wildhorse/Dodson family was named 2025 Business of the Year in recognition for their generations of service, entrepreneurship and deep community roots in South Monterey County. The award was presented by Suzanne Krause.
The family’s story begins with Melvina Mallinson Dodson, a San Lucas native and King City High School graduate, and her late husband Bruce Dodson, a Cal Poly graduate and former Army cook. Together, they built a life centered on agriculture, hard work and community, raising their two children — Steve and Katie — while steadily expanding what would become the Wildhorse family of businesses.
Over the years, those operations have grown to include the Wildhorse Café, General Store, RV Park, propane delivery service and appliance store — all of which serve as essential resources in a rural region where access to goods and services can be limited.
Today, the businesses remain a true family operation. Steve Dodson oversees propane, appliance and air-conditioning services, while Katie Dodson manages the café. Melvina, now in her 80s, continues to oversee the general store and RV park and remains a familiar face greeting customers at the café.
The Wildhorse Café, in particular, has become a community hub where farmers, ranchers, truck drivers, law enforcement officers and travelers gather. Known for its homemade meals and baked goods, the café features cookies, pies, jams and other items prepared by the family, including walnuts grown locally.
During the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing Highway 101 construction, the Dodson family adapted operations to continue serving customers, including creating outdoor dining options and maintaining services despite challenges. Their businesses now employ about 30 people, many of whom have worked with the family for years — a reflection of both stability and community connection.
“Thank you for supporting us all these years,” the Dodson family shared in the program.
A lifetime of service
Cody Bassetti was honored as 2025 Citizen of the Year for his extensive volunteerism and leadership in agriculture. Mike “Pork Chop” McLane presented the award at the dinner.
According to the program, Bassetti is “known throughout the community for always showing up and getting things done,” contributing countless hours to local events, parades and agricultural programs. He frequently provides trucks, trailers and logistical support for major events, such as the Christmas Parade and Fourth of July Parade, and assists with equipment transport and setup at San Lorenzo Park and other venues.
Bassetti has played a key role in organizing the Junior Livestock Auction at the Salinas Valley Fair, helping grow it into a major program that has generated millions of dollars in support of youth in agriculture. Through this work, he has fostered opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
In his role as president of the board of directors for the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum, Bassetti has helped lead major improvements, hands-on projects and fundraising efforts that support the preservation of the region’s agricultural heritage.
“Known for contributing not only his leadership, but also his time, equipment and personal resources to support community causes,” the program states, Bassetti is “often the first to volunteer and the last to step away,” working behind the scenes to ensure events run smoothly.
Following the awards ceremony, the evening concluded with live music and dancing, giving attendees a chance to celebrate the honorees and the community they serve.
