Panetta Introduces Bill to Spur Central Coast Ag Mechanization, Innovation

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, October 26, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), co-chair of the Congressional Agriculture Research Caucus, introduced the Specialty Crop Mechanization Prize Challenge Act. The bipartisan legislation incentivizes innovative agriculture technology development and deployment. The bill also encourages public-private partnerships between the agriculture industry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop mechanization technology to alleviate workforce and cultivation shortfalls.
"The Specialty Crop Mechanization Prize Challenge Act is an important way to inject innovative federal investments in the central coast of California’s agriculture industry," said Congressman Panetta. "Research, development, and evaluation of new specialty crop technologies can help farmers, farmworkers, processors, and shippers at all levels of the supply chain."
"Innovation in agricultural technology will benefit farmers and their employees, while strengthening ties between Silicon Valley and farm country," California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson said. "Farmers of many crops and commodities would welcome new robotic or automated methods that would be practical, safe, and efficient. We thank Rep. Panetta for introducing this bill and look forward to reaping the benefits of the public-private partnerships it would create."
"California fruit, vegetable, and tree nut farmers face many daunting challenges, including water scarcity and labor shortages, which threaten the continued production of a safe, healthy, and affordable domestic food supply," said Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif. "Solutions to these problems will require the rapid acceleration of technology geared toward agriculture. We are pleased that Rep. Panetta understands the role government can play, alongside private sector investments, in speeding the development of innovations aimed at ensuring California farmers meet the needs of a growing population with fewer resources and a smaller footprint."
The Central Coast is home to a $5 billion agriculture industry, producing over 100 different specialty crops. The fruits and vegetables that drive the local economy, such as strawberries, lettuce, and spinach, are particularly labor-intensive. This legislation aims at supporting the development and deployment of technologies to alleviate stresses on the existing workforce and to mechanize activities where there is not a readily available workforce.

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Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

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Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

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