Salinas Valley, on River Road near Marina.
The Salinas Valley in the Central Coast region of California, USA that lies along the Salinas River between the Gabilan Range and the Santa Lucia Range. It encompasses parts of Monterey County. Cities and populated places in the Salinas Valley include Bradley, Castroville, Chualar, Gonzales, Greenfield, Jolon, King City, Lockwood, Salinas, San Ardo, San Lucas, Soledad and Spreckels.
Agriculture dominates the economy of the valley. In particular, a large majority of the salad greens consumed in the U.S. are grown within this region.[1] Strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, and artichokes are the dominant crops in the valley. Other crops include broccoli, cauliflower, wine grapes, celery, and spinach. Due to the intensity of local agriculture the area has earned itself the nickname, "America's Salad Bowl."
The climate is precise to grow these crops, and Salinas Valley has an extended period of time in which crops can be grown compared to more northern regions where the winter causes quite an obstacle to farmers.
Description
The "Mouth" of the Salinas Valley as seen from the Fort Ord Public Lands, near Marina, CA.
The Salinas Valley was the home of the Native American people today known as the Ohlone (Rumsen and Chalon), Salinan, and Esselen. The City of Salinas was founded after Mexico seceded from Spain in 1822 and began granting rancho lands. Named for a nearby salt marsh, Salinas became the seat of Monterey County in 1872 and incorporated in 1874. The Salinas Valley is the setting for several John Steinbeck stories, including East of Eden, The Chrysanthemums, and Of Mice and Men.
Promoters call the Salinas Valley "The Salad Bowl of the World" for the production of lettuce, broccoli, mushrooms and strawberries, along with numerous other crops. The climate is also ideal for the floral industry and grape vineyards planted by world-famous vintners.
Although agriculture forms an economic base, more than 100 manufacturing firms call Salinas home. Some of the largest employers in the area include: Dole Fresh Vegetable, the County of Monterey, Household Credit Services and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
The California Rodeo, California International Airshow, and the Steinbeck Festival are major attractions.
Geography
The Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges border the Salinas Valley to the east and west, respectively. Both mountain ranges and the Salinas Valley run approximately 90 miles (145 km) south-east from Salinas towards King City. The valley lends its name to the geologic province in which it is located, the Salinian Block.
Climate
The Salinas Valley's weather varies from north to south. Proximity to Monterey Bay and the cool coastal waters of the Pacific cools the northern part of the valley in summer, and keeps it relatively mild in winter. The southern portion of the valley has greater extremes of temperature, hotter in summer, and colder in winter.
In summer, inland heating draws the marine layer into the valley, with fog and low clouds near Monterey Bay, sometimes extending further down the valley.
In the news
2007 United States Salmonella outbreak
On August 30, 2007, 8,000 cartons of spinach (from Metz Fresh, a King City-based grower and shipper, Salinas Valley, California) were recalled after salmonella was discovered upon routine test. Consumer advocates and some lawmakers complained it exposed big gaps in food safety, even if 90% of suspect vegetable didn’t reach the shelves.[2]
References
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