AS RAPID INVESTMENTS in the blossoming tech industry transformed Silicon Valley in the early 2000s, the Salinas Valley also expanded its bandwidth to manage a flow of new residents who desired the tech salary but not the cost of living. Between 1990 and 2001, Salinas added nearly 18,000 households. Northeast Salinas transformed in the early 2000s with the construction of major developments like Harden Ranch and Creekbridge and their networks of affiliated subdivisions. High demand from Bay Area commuters raised housing prices, further contributing to a prolonged affordable housing crisis still being felt in Monterey County. 2000s 2008 Wildfires cause the most destructive year in county’s recorded history—The Basin Complex Fire near Big Sur burned more than 162,000 acres 2000s Dot-com boom causes expansion of Silicon Valley bedroom communities into Monterey County Right: CSUMB faculty, staff and students, circa 1995. Below: The Tanimura & Antle Memorial Library is a focal point for CSUMB. Built in 2009, the LEED Silver designated building carries the names of two local farming families who together run one of Salinas Valley's largest agricultural operations. Courtesy of California State University, Monterey Bay Photo by Brent Dundore-Arias
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