12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com The “miracle” class of chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) can do it all—famous for making pans nonstick, clothing water-resistant and carpets stain-resistant. PFAS are prolific, used in everything from deodorant and dental floss to agriculture, yet their special chemical structure is so strong it does not break down in the environment. They have been linked to cancer, found contaminating waterways and bioaccumulating in the food chain. A report conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit environmental group, found that 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides are spread annually on California farmland. Of that total, 551,108 pounds were used on crops in Monterey County between 2018 and 2023, where the highest traces were found on wine grapes (116,499 pounds), strawberries (99,972 pounds) and leaf lettuce (76,248 pounds). “A lot of farmers, I don’t think they know that’s what they’re spraying on their crops,” says Bernadette Del Chiaro, EWG senior vice president. “The EPA doesn’t label them as PFAS.” Almost 40 percent of non-organic fruits and vegetables grown in California had residues of PFAS pesticides. Grapes and cherries showed contamination rates of 80 percent or higher, frequently carrying four or more different PFAS pesticides on individual samples, whereas strawberries carried the greatest variety of any of the crops tested. Twenty-five of the 50 PFAS pesticides currently allowed in California have already been banned from the E.U., “usually a step ahead of the U.S. in chemical regulation,” Del Chiaro says. A bill introduced in the California Legislature on March 20 would establish a timeline to end the use of these chemicals in the state by 2035 and give growers time to transition to safer alternatives. AB 1603, introduced by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, D-Burbank, calls for enhanced labeling transparency, a moratorium on PFAS pesticides and a ban on new state approvals. “It’s a huge family of chemicals,” Del Chiaro says. “To allow them to be used in such an uncontained way, ending up on the strawberry or the peach a kid [might eat]—that’s not a contained use of this chemical.” The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on April 14. Measure G, a 1-cent sales tax voters passed in 2014 in Salinas, started as an additional source of revenue to fix streets and sidewalks and maintain city services. It has now become a critical source of revenue, generating $34.5 million during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The measure is set to phase out in 2029, prompting City Council to vote 7-0 on Tuesday, March 24 to start the process of putting an extension on the ballot this November. Mayor Dennis Donohue says it’s a similar approach as Measure E, which voters approved in 2012. It has no sunset date and replaced Measure V, a half-cent sales tax with a 10-year limit. Donohue said an extension is critical for the city’s future and to show stability for potential investors. City officials have painted a gloomy picture for the city’s finances without a replacement measure, looking at a 21-percent reduction, or nearly $48 million, in the 2030-2031 budget. “It funds so much critical staffing regarding public safety, infrastructure,” City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval says. Currently, the measure funds 106.5 staff positions, including 29 for the Police Department and 38.3 for Public Works. It has also funded various projects in the city, including Northgate Dog Park, Boronda Road traffic relief and the Cesar Chavez soccer field. Probolsky Research, a market research firm based in Newport Beach, was hired to poll the likelihood of an extension passing. They interviewed 400 Salinas residents via phone and online in English and Spanish; nearly 58 percent said they would support it. To pass, the measure needs 51 percent of the votes. In June, the council will officially vote on whether to place a Measure G extension to the Nov. 3 ballot. In 2024, Sandoval, along with then-councilmember Anthony Rocha, advocated to put an extension on the ballot that year, but City Manager René Mendez said they needed more time and suggested delaying it for a couple of years. At that time, the council postponed it to 2026, which has now arrived. Detox Time Report finding PFAS pesticides on California crops prompts a new bill. By Katie Rodriguez NEWS IN CLASS North Monterey County Unified School District Board of Trustees meets and accepts public comment. 6pm Thursday, March 26. North Monterey County High School library, 13990 Castroville Blvd., Castroville. Free. (831) 633-3343, nmcusd.org. PARKS PROUD Join the Friends of Seaside Parks Association to help beautify and maintain the city’s parks. Volunteers rotate to a different park every week. 10am-noon Saturday, March 28. Lincoln Cunningham Park, San Pablo Avenue, east of Yosemite Street, Seaside. Free. friendsofseasideparks. org. STAR POWER Know a person who made a significant contribution to the quality of life in Seaside? Nominate them for a Seaside Star. Accepted nominations will have a star in their name placed on Broadway Avenue. Nominations accepted through Tuesday, March 31. (831) 899-6800, bit.ly/SeasideStars. HELP WANTED Monterey County Works hosts a job fair to connect local employers with job seekers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their résumés and dress to impress. 1-4pm Wednesday, April 1. Career Center, 344 Salinas St., Suites 205 and 206, Salinas. Free. (831) 796-3335. Register at montereycountyworks.com. PARKING PROCESS The City of Monterey Parking Division hosts a neighborhood meeting to review the residential parking permit program. New Monterey residents are invited to attend. 6pm Wednesday, April 1. Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie St., Monterey. Free. (831) 646-3953, monterey.gov/ parking. SAFE ROUTES Salinas’ Public Works Department will discuss work to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers along Harden Parkway between Broadway and El Dorado drives. The public has the opportunity to weigh in on the project. 6-8pm Thursday, April 2. Harden Middle School, 1561 McKinnon St., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7241, salinas.gov/ Events/Harden-Parkway-Path-Project. TRAIL TALK King City and the County of Monterey are considering ways to expand trails at San Lorenzo Park along the Salinas River. The public is encouraged to share input. Survey ongoing at bit.ly/ SanLorenzoParkTrails. Free. On the Books Salinas advances a Measure G tax extension to appear on the November ballot. By Celia Jiménez The highest amounts of PFAS in Monterey County crops were detected on wine grapes, strawberries and leaf lettuce. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “I don’t think they know that’s what they’re spraying on their crops.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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