12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 9-15, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com For the sixth consecutive year, strawberries retained the top spot among Monterey County’s agricultural commodities, while the wine industry continued to decline, according to the 2025 Monterey County crop report released on July 7. While several commodities reported gains, the overall gross production value of agricultural commodities declined 3 percent from 2024-25, dropping from $5 billion to $4.8 billion. “But, it’s a very good figure,” Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo said at a July 7 press conference. “It shows how stable agriculture is in our county, given the challenges that our growers face.” Strawberries’ gross production value rose to $1.1 billion. Leaf lettuce, which includes romaine and other varieties, topped $1 billion for the first time, an increase of 7 percent from 2024. Head lettuce, the county’s third most valuable crop, declined 2 percent in value. “Margins continue to shrink for many of our farming operations,” said Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau. He detailed how a study they commissioned in 2025 showed that 13 percent of production costs go toward regulatory requirements in California. “That’s about $1,600 per acre each year. Doing business in California is tough.” Last year was largely characterized by fluctuating tariffs impacting exports, pest challenges like the diamondback moth, and high production costs linked to farm machinery and fertilizers produced in other countries. Overall, vegetable crops saw a decrease in value by 4 percent; the fruit and nuts category saw a decrease of 1 percent. Wine grapes are part of that category, and declined for a second year in a row with a 25-percent loss in gross value. Amid growing public scrutiny over pesticide use, the report’s theme is “25 Years of Organics.” It highlights “how organic agriculture has grown into a trusted, nationally regulated system defined by strong standards.” While organic agriculture accounts for 18 percent of the entire value of the sector, organic acreage has decreased by 2,143 acres since 2024. Hidalgo said that “is not entirely uncommon because of the [nature] of crop rotations.” “We still see strengths, particularly Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots and onions,” Groot said. “It’s the diversity of our crops that keeps Monterey County as the fourth-highest producing county in our country.” Across schools in Salinas, minority students have reported feeling unwelcomed and experiencing racism from their peers. This issue came under increased scrutiny after incidents on Salinas Union High School District campuses, including Salinas High students in 2021 mutilating a Black doll then posing with it and stomping on it. In 2023, students at Rancho San Juan High School produced stereotypical depictions to celebrate Black History Month, such as using cotton to simulate ice cream (millions of enslaved people were forced to work in the American cotton industry). Parents and community members demanded solutions to pervasive racism in SUHSD and elsewhere. Last year, SUHSD responded to those demands and created a committee of teachers, administrators, parents, students and representatives of local organizations, including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), to address this issue. They organized town halls to get feedback from the community. After nearly a year of work, the SUHSD board approved an anti-hate policy on June 23. This policy establishes procedures to prevent and respond to any type of hate-motivated behavior, including discrimination, hate speech, harassment and bullying. “The end goal, of course, is to provide a safe, inclusive environment for all of our students,” SUHSD Board President Nathalia Carrillo says. SUHSD is seeking partnerships with other school districts to address the issue regionally. “It is pervasive in our schools, not just the high school district, but absolutely the elementary school district too,” says Vanessa Robinson, an SUHSD board member and elementary school teacher. The district has reached out to Santa Rita Union and Alisal Union school districts so far. Carrillo says SUHSD students have led the way to shape a more welcoming environment and share that work with their peers. Cash Crop Strawberries thrive and wine grapes decline, per 2025 Monterey County crop report. By Katie Rodriguez NEWS TRAFFIC CALMING City of Monterey is planning a temporary demonstration project of a traffic circle and other infrastructure at the Madison/Herrmann/Larkin intersection. City officials will be on hand to discuss the project and answer questions. 6-8pm Thursday, July 9. Monterey Public Library Community Room, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. (831) 646-3921, engineering-admin@monterey.gov. FEE SCHEDULE Seaside County Sanitation District board meets to discuss proportional capacity fees for accessory dwelling units. Public comment is accepted. 9:30am Tuesday, July 14. City Council Chambers, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. Free. (831) 899-6825, ci.seaside.ca.us. OPEN DOOR Monterey City Councilmember Jean Rasch holds open office hours. Drop by to share ideas and concerns. 4-5pm Thursday, July 16. City Hall, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. (831) 625-3200. WATER WORKS State Water Resources Control Board accepts comments as it considers modifying the cease-and-desist order against Cal Am. The order, enacted in 2009, prevents the utility from setting new water meters. Comments due by July 20. bit.ly/CalAmCDO. RATE RELIEF Marina Coast Water District is now accepting applications for its new customer financial assistance program. Those who qualify will receive a $20.83 monthly credit on their fixed water charge. Applications are accepted through July 31. (888) 282-6816, bit.ly/MCWDCARES. LAND WATCHERS The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Monterey County is seeking applications from residents to fill a public member seat. The commission regulates the boundaries of cities and special districts, establishes spheres of influence and conducts studies of government services. Deadline to apply is 5pm Friday, Aug. 14. (831) 754-5838, monterey.lafco.ca.gov. POWER OF READING Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has launched in Monterey County, and children from birth to age 5 can receive books in the mail every month. Enroll at bit.ly/4fg5Nir. Free. Face of Progress Salinas Union passes an anti-hate policy to create a welcoming environment for students. By Celia Jiménez Strawberries again had the highest gross production value in Monterey County, with a 3-percent increase over 2024 to $1.1 billion in 2025. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “It shows how stable agriculture is in our county.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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