CRU Winery, local partners relaunch vineyard hiking series
SOLEDAD — A popular vineyard hiking program is returning this year as CRU Winery partners with Richard Russell CrossFit and The Live Well Project to host a quarterly hiking series at Paraiso Vineyard.
The hiking series invites participants to hike through the sustainably farmed Paraiso Vineyard before finishing the outing with a wine tasting at the CRU Winery tasting room in Soledad. Organizers first launched the program in 2023 as part of the principles promoted by Blue Zones Project, which encourages people to “move naturally” through daily activities like walking and hiking. The initiative also inspired CRU Winery to pursue recognition as a participating organization in the Blue Zones Project, and in 2025 the winery became the first tasting room in Monterey County to receive that designation.
Through the partnership with Richard Russell CrossFit and the Live Well Project — the next phase and new home of the Blue Zones Project in Monterey County — participants will also learn about community wellness efforts and sustainable winegrowing practices during the events. Each hike lasts about one hour and is designed for participants of all ages and fitness levels. The hikes are free, and attendees who complete the hike will receive a two-for-one wine tasting at the CRU Winery tasting room.
The 2026 hike schedule begins March 15 at 9:30 a.m., followed by June 14, Aug. 9 and Nov. 8, all starting at 9:30 a.m. All hikes start and end at the CRU Winery tasting room in Soledad. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit cruwinery.com.
Hartnell hosts free Monterey County STEM Talent Expo
MONTEREY COUNTY — Students, job seekers and community members interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can attend the Monterey County STEM Talent Expo on Wednesday, March 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hartnell College STEM Center.
The free, one-day event connects local STEM talent with employers, education partners and workforce leaders offering career pathways. Attendees can take advantage of professional headshots for LinkedIn and resumes, mock interviews with industry professionals, and networking with more than 25 employers and education partners.
The event begins with a keynote address and industry panel discussion from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by student speakers and the STEM Expo from 2 to 4 p.m. Students from Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College and CSU Monterey Bay will share their experiences navigating STEM education and career opportunities. Industries represented include aerospace, robotics, environmental science, healthcare technology and advanced manufacturing.
The event is open to college and high school students, recent graduates, career changers and anyone in the community exploring STEM opportunities. Advance registration is required to attend and to participate in mock interviews and professional headshots. Register for free on Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/4r6au77x.
King City Chamber to honor annual award winners
KING CITY — King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will present its Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 21, at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. The 2025 honorees are: Cody Bassetti for Citizen of the Year; Wildhorse Cafe/Wildhorse Propane & Appliance for Business of the Year; King City Rotary Club for Friend of the Community; and Vivien Cullen with the Hermie Robles Youth Award.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. inside the fairgrounds’ Orradre Building, 625 Division St., in King City.
“Join us for a wonderful evening of applause, laughter and great food,” stated the chamber. “Silent auction and live auction items, good friends and entertainment.”
Tickets are available at the King City Chamber office, 110 N. Vanderhurst Ave., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by calling 831-385-3814.
Cattlemen, Cattlewomen offer student scholarships
MONTEREY COUNTY — Scholarship applications from the Monterey County Cattlemen and Monterey County Cattlewomen are now available to graduating high school seniors who live in or attend school in Monterey County.
Applicants must plan to attend an institution of higher learning to pursue studies in the agricultural field, including two- or four-year colleges and universities, as well as accredited trade schools. Students may apply for both scholarships. Applications must be received by Friday, April 10.
Applications are available at local high schools, at montereycountycattlemen.org, on the Monterey County Cattlewomen Facebook page, or by contacting Marianne Madson at 831-262-4702 or m_*******@***oo.com or Clay Avila at 805-423-3679 or av********@***il.com.
