May 2025
Help Shape a Healthier Monterey County – Take the 2025 Community Health Survey!
We invite you to share your experiences and insights in the 2025 Community Health Survey. Your feedback drives real change. By participating, you help identify key health challenges and guide solutions that improve the well-being of our community. The results will help local organizations, policymakers, and healthcare providers address the most pressing health needs in Monterey County.
Take the survey here: https://www.unitedwaymcca.org/HealthyMontereyCounty
Food Policy
Stretch Your CalFresh Dollars in Monterey County
If you're a CalFresh shopper, there are three great ways to get more fruits and vegetables for your money. These programs help make fresh, local food more affordable across Monterey County.
1) Double Up Food Bucks in Grocery Stores in Salinas, Greenfield, and King City
Get 50% off California-grown fruits and vegetables when you use your EBT card—up to $15 in savings per day. Example: Buy $30 worth of produce and only pay $15 using your EBT card.
Participating Locations:
SALINAS
Mercado La Princesa Williams
614 Williams Road,- Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
La Princesa Market – E. Alisal Street
516 E Alisal Street -Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Princesa Market – N. Sanborn Rd
950 N Sanborn Road- Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
El Rey Fresh Produce – E. Alisal Street
201 E Alisal Street- Open Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
GREENFIELD
La Princesa Market
401 El Camino Real- Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
KING CITY
La Princesa Market
620 Broadway Street- Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
2) Market Match at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets
Spend up to $30 with your EBT card and receive an additional $30 in Market Match dollars to spend on fruits and vegetables; that’s $60 of produce for just $30 ON your EBT card!
Market Locations and Hours:
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Monday in PG – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Winter: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
Central & Grand Avenues, Open Daily
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Tuesday at WIC Salinas– Opens June 3, 2025
632 E Alisal St, Salinas,Summer Hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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Wednesday at Natividad in Salinas– 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Natividad Medical Center, 1441 Constitution Blvd, Salinas (outside Building 200)
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Thursday in Seaside – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (March–November)
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (November–March)
Laguna Grande Regional Park, 1259 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside
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Friday at Salinas Valley Health– 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM (May 9 – November 7, 2025)
Salinas Valley Health
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Sunday in Marina– 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
215 Reservation Road, Marina
3) Castroville Farmers’ Market for a 1:2 Market Match!
Thursdays, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
North County Recreation Center
11261 Crane Street, Castroville, CA
Spend up to $20 on your EBT card and receive up to $40 free—giving you a total of $60 to spend on fresh produce.
This program is operated by the North County Recreation and Park District in partnership with Everyone’s Harvest.
Note: You must have funds on your EBT card to participate in these programs.
Don’t miss out on those opportunities to stretch your food budget, eat healthy, and support local farmers. We invite you to share with your neighbors, family, and community members!
Built Environment Policy
Help make Monterey County streets and roads safer for everyone. Join us at one of the upcoming community workshops for the Regional Vision Zero Action Plan and share your experiences, concerns, and ideas to help eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. Workshops are happening across Monterey County this May! Find one near you and share your experience.
Learn more: bit.ly/montereyvz
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April 2025
Food Policy
Have EBT? Get DOUBLE the fresh fruits & veggies! With Double Up Food Bucks in Monterey County, you can save up to $15 per day when you shop with your EBT card. 
Visit one of our participating Monterey County locations to take advantage of Double Up Food Bucks: in Salinas, Greenfield y King City
Visit our website! www.doubleupca.org/ebtmonterey
Share with a friend who needs to know about this amazing deal!
¿Tienes EBT? ¡Obtén el DOBLE de frutas y verduras frescas! Con Double Up Food Bucks California, puedes ahorrar hasta $15 por día cuando compras con tu tarjeta EBT.
Visite una de nuestras ubicaciones participantes del condado de Monterey para aprovechar Double Up Food Bucks: en Salinas, Greenfield y King City
¡Visita nuestro sitio web! www.doubleupca.org/ebtmonterey
¡Déjale saber a un amigo que necesita saber sobre esta increíble oferta!
Need Food?
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Built Environment
The City of Seaside is pleased to share the Draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan—their first-ever roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preparing for climate-related risks, and building a more resilient future.
We invite you to review the draft plan and share your feedback. Your input is essential to ensuring the plan reflects the community’s priorities, values, and vision for the future.
Provide comments until April 28th: Review the plan and send comments to our Project Manager, Patrick Marchman, AICP, SCR of Jacob Green & Associates: patrick@jacobgreenandassociates.com
If you have any questions or need assistance accessing the plan, contact Patrick at 206-371-8458
Thank you for your time and continued engagement!
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December 2024
Built Environment
Blue Zones Project Monterey County supports improvements to the built environment that encourage natural movement and equitable access to streets and open space. Salinas’ Alisal Streetscape Master Plan (ASMP) will support the implementation of the Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP), specifically advancing a set of goals focused on the design of safe, attractive streets and public spaces that increase access for all residents “whether biking, walking, taking transit, or driving a car.”
Public input has been the foundation of the planning process which has been gathered through community workshops and pop ups, and online comments. The City of Salinas is currently inviting the public to offer feedback on the draft Alisal Streetscape Master Plan. The deadline to share your opinion is Friday, December 20, 2024.
Comments can be sent to Gerardo Rodriguez, Assistant Engineer: transportationdivision@ci.salinas.ca.us List “Alisal Streetscape Master Plan” in your subject line.
The final plan will be used to guide future investments and to help the City secure grant funding for project construction.
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October/November 2024
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The Importance of Local Procurement for Sustainable Food Systems
Local procurement plays a crucial role in building sustainable food systems and supporting small-scale farmers. Recently, Blue Zones Project had the opportunity to collaborate with our sponsor Salinas Valley Health (SVH) to enhance hyper-local procurement, focusing on sourcing food from growers within a 10-mile radius. We collaborated with Angeles Carrillo, who cultivates 2 acres at ALBA Farmers, a local farm incubator in the Salinas Valley.
Often, small and medium-scale farmers on the Central Coast grow their crops and sell them to aggregators, who then brand and package the produce from multiple farms for distribution to large institutions and retailers. This model leaves farmers out of the branding and sales process, limiting their ability to build relationships with end-buyers and get fair prices for their hard-earned produce.
However, when small farmers like Angeles can sell directly to institutions, they not only receive better prices but can also engage in crop planning that caters directly to the institution’s needs. It’s a win-win. In this case, Salinas Valley Health (SVH) adapted to the availability and seasonality of the produce, ensuring they could support local agriculture while benefiting from fresh, locally grown food.
A special thanks to Christianna Kearns, and Eric Fierro at SVH for their vision and patience in making this partnership a reality!
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August/September 2024
Food Policy
Support the Seaside Certified Farmers Market
The Seaside Certified Farmers Market happens EVERY Thursday, 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park, Seaside – YEAR-ROUND! Stock up on your fresh vegetables and enjoy making community connections. See flier and click on links below for some great promotional videos:
English: https://vimeo.com/899311608/03c7eb5080?share=copy
Spanish: https://vimeo.com/899671083/3bc6336e46?share=copy
FREE Produce Boxes are also being distributed at 5pm until supplies last, for people from low-income backgrounds (must show ID/Document as proof, examples: EBT, Medi-Cal, WIC card).
Get Involved with the Monterey County Garden Network
Edible Monterey Bay wrote a nice little article about The Monterey County Garden Network in a recent digital edition. Read it HERE and consider joining our monthly meetings and quarterly garden gatherings. Email mcgardennetwork@gmail.com to be added to the network ListServ and calendar invites.
Tobacco Policy
FREE Tobacco Litter Receptacles
Our friends at Carmel Cares and Keep America Beautiful are looking to collaborate with municipalities and organizations across Monterey County to install tobacco litter receptacles to help keep this harmful waste off our streets and out of our waterways. Collected cigarette butts are then sent to Terracycle to be upcycled into patio furniture! Reach out to tanja.roos at sharecare.com for more information.
Built Environment
Born Learning Trails offer fun for ALL!
Blue Zones Project Monterey County and United Way Monterey County have collaborated with the Cities of Marina, Seaside and the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to bring Born Learning Trails to our area. These bilingual (English/Spanish) trails offer intergenerational opportunities to support families in utilizing our outdoor spaces in enjoyable, active, and creative ways. See the flier for locations and more details. And follow this link for a great news clip about the trail unveiling in Marina.
Get Outdoors with ParkRx Monterey County!
Visit ParkRxMontereyCounty.org to find outdoor spaces near you, through the searchable mapping tool. Learn more about partner organizations that offer programs designed to connect youth, families, and adults to the natural world. Health care providers across Monterey County are referring patients to the site, to meaningfully improve health outcomes, helping residents in Monterey County live longer, better!
Volunteer to support park beautification and community gardens in Peninsula Cities
Looking for something to do on your weekends to give back in community? Friends of Seaside Parks Association (FOSPA) has regular Saturday workdays in Seaside parks. Click HERE to see their full schedule. Activities include tending to native plant pollinator gardens and growing food in edible gardens (in select parks). And over in Marina, Citizens4Sustainable Marina (C4SM) are hard at work tending the amazing Oak Woodland Community Garden. Click HERE to get involved.
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July 2024
Food Policy
Support the Seaside Certified Farmers Market
The Seaside Certified Farmers Market happens EVERY Thursday, 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park, Seaside – YEAR-ROUND! Stock up on your fresh vegetables and enjoy making community connections. See flier and click on links below for some great promotional videos:
English: https://vimeo.com/899311608/03c7eb5080?share=copy
Spanish: https://vimeo.com/899671083/3bc6336e46?share=copy
Monterey County Garden Network in the NEWS!
Edible Monterey Bay wrote a nice little article about the The Monterey County Garden Network in a recent digital edition. Read it HERE and consider joining our monthly meetings and quarterly garden gatherings. Email mcgardennetwork@gmail.com to be added to the network ListServ and calendar invites.
Tobacco Policy
FREE Tobacco Litter Receptacles
Our friends at Carmel Cares and Keep America Beautiful are looking to collaborate with municipalities and organizations across Monterey County to install tobacco litter receptacles to help keep this harmful waste off our streets and out of our waterways. Collected cigarette butts are then sent to Terracycle to be upcycled into patio furniture! Reach out to tanja.roos at sharecare.com for more information.
Built Environment
The City of Marina wants to hear from YOU
The City of Marina invites you to share your input on the proposed land use vision for key areas of the city that may change overtime. To participate, please respond to the online questionnaire linked below:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/marina-gpu-q2
Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/marina-gpu-landuse-span
Korean: https://ko.surveymonkey.com/r/marina-gpu-landuse-korean
We invite you to share these links widely to all your neighbors and fellow community members. Visit the project website to stay up to date on the latest events and milestones.
Born Learning Trails offer fun for ALL!
Blue Zones Project Monterey County and United Way Monterey County have collaborated with the Cities of Marina, Seaside and the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to bring Born Learning Trails to our area. These bilingual (English/Spanish) trails offer intergenerational opportunities to support families in utilizing our outdoor spaces in enjoyable, active, and creative ways. See the flier for locations and more details. And follow this link for a great news clip about the trail unveiling in Marina.
ParkRx Monterey County website is LIVE!
Visit ParkRxMontereyCounty.org to find outdoor spaces near you, through the searchable mapping tool. Learn more about partner organizations that offer programs designed to connect youth, families, and adults to the natural world. Health care providers across Monterey County are referring patients to the site, to meaningfully improve health outcomes, helping residents in Monterey County live longer, better!
Volunteer to support park beautification and community gardens in Peninsula Cities
Looking for something to do on your weekends to give back in community? Friends of Seaside Parks Association (FOSPA) has regular Saturday workdays in Seaside parks. Click HERE to see their full schedule. Activities include tending to native plant pollinator gardens and growing food in edible gardens (in select parks). And over in Marina, Citizens4Sustainable Marina (C4SM) are hard at work tending the amazing Oak Woodland Community Garden. Click HERE to get involved.
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June 2024
Food Policy
Double your SUNBucks
Many families across Monterey County will receive SUNBucks cards to support purchasing food for their children during the summer months. Learn how you can maximize your SUNBucks and share with others to ensure that all families are aware of this opportunity.
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Need Food?
Are you struggling to access nutritious food? Explore food resources and programs in Monterey County on the 211 website with a simple text message. Text "FOOD" to 831-215-3342 and unlock resources.
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May 2024
Food Policy
Attend an Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers Market in Monterey County and immerse yourself in a celebration of local flavor, community, and sustainability! Discover fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a vibrant atmosphere that's sure to uplift your spirits. Come be a part of something special. See you at the market! CalFresh/EBT, MarketMatch, WIC and Senior FMNP Coupons accepted. Learn more: https://www.everyonesharvest.org/
Built Environment
ParkRx Monterey County website is LIVE!
Visit ParkRxMontereyCounty.org to find outdoor spaces near you, through the searchable mapping tool. Learn more about partner organizations that offer programs designed to connect youth, families, and adults to the natural world. Health care providers across Monterey County are referring patients to the site, to meaningfully improve health outcomes, helping residents in Monterey County live longer, better!
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April 2024
Food Policy
Gonzales Community Garden
On March 09,2024 Gonzales City launched the Community Garden in collaboration with BZP, MCRD, Wings of Knowledge, Save the Whales, Monterey Workforce CADRE program, and community leaders. The space features a great walking path, large garden beds, and a fruit orchard for all to share and enjoy.
Support the Seaside Certified Farmers Market
The Seaside Certified Farmers Market happens EVERY Thursday, 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park, Seaside – YEAR-ROUND! Stock up on your fresh vegetables and enjoy making community connections. See flier and click on links below for some great promotional videos:
English: https://vimeo.com/899311608/03c7eb5080?share=copy
Spanish: https://vimeo.com/899671083/3bc6336e46?share=copy
FREE Backyard Gardening “kits”
As part of the Communities for Sustainable Monterey County’s “Our Families Grow Healthy” initiative, FREE backyard gardening kits are available for interested community members. Kit is $300 value, with coaching support included. See flier for more details.
Join the Monterey County Garden Network!
Calling all school, institutional and community garden supporters and champions. The Monterey County Garden Network is a gathering of like-minded folks who care about urban agriculture, empowering people of all ages to grow their own food and increase community food security. Cohosted by the Resources Conservation District of Monterey County and BZPMC, we meet monthly (virtually) and in-person quarterly for FREE workshops and network building. Email mcgardennetwork@gmail.com to be added to the network ListServ and calendar invites.
Tobacco Policy
City of Del Rey Oaks passes smoke free multi-unit housing ordinance
On March 26th, the Del Rey Oaks Council voted unanimously (5-0) on the second reading of an ordinance that would ban smoking in all current, and future, multi-unit housing complexes within Del Rey Oaks (larger than a triplex). This is notable leadership in a region that will be working hard to meet affordable housing goals, over the next several years- And another strong step in tobacco control by the council, making Del Rey Oaks a happier and healthier place to live, work and play. The ordinance go into place in October, with implementation support from our partners at the Monterey County Health Department and BZPMC.
Built Environment
ParkRx Monterey County website is LIVE!
Visit ParkRxMontereyCounty.org to find outdoor spaces near you, through the searchable mapping tool. Learn more about partner organizations that offer programs designed to connect youth, families, and adults to the natural world. Health care providers across Monterey County are referring patients to the site, to meaningfully improve health outcomes, helping residents in Monterey County live longer, better!
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March 2024
Food Policy
Support the Seaside Certified Farmers Market
The Seaside Certified Farmers Market happens EVERY Thursday, 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park, Seaside – YEAR ROUND! Stock up on your fresh vegetables and enjoy making community connections. See flier and click on links below for some great promotional videos:
English: https://vimeo.com/899311608/03c7eb5080?share=copy
Spanish: https://vimeo.com/899671083/3bc6336e46?share=copy
FREE Backyard Gardening “kits”
As part of the Communities for Sustainable Monterey County’s “Our Families Grow Healthy” initiative, FREE backyard gardening kits are available for interested community members. Kit is $300 value, with coaching support included. See flier for more details.
Interested in launching a food business from home?
Join our friends at the Monterey County Business Council to learn more about how to how you can take advantage of the MEHKO (microenterprise home kitchen operations) law that was recently adopted in Monterey County. An informative info session will be held at the Seaside City Council Chambers on Thursday, April 4th. See attached flier for more details.
Join the Monterey County Garden Network!
Calling all school, institutional and community garden supporters and champions. The Monterey County Garden Network is a gathering of like-minded folks who care about urban agriculture, empowering people of all ages to grow their own food and increase community food security. Cohosted by the Resources Conservation District of Monterey County and BZPMC, we meet monthly (virtually) and in-person quarterly for FREE workshops and network building. Email mcgardennetwork@gmail.com to be added to the network ListServ and calendar invites.
Tobacco Policy
City of Del Rey Oaks takes on smoke free multi-unit housing
On February 27th, the Del Rey Oaks Council voted unanimously (5-0) on the first reading of an ordinance that would ban smoking in all current, and future, multi-unit housing complexes within Del Rey Oaks (larger than a triplex). This is notable leadership in a region that will be working hard to meet affordable housing goals, over the next several years- And another strong step in tobacco control by the council, making Del Rey Oaks a happier and healthier place to live, work and play. The second reading will be forthcoming and will likely go into place in October. BIG Thanks to our partners at the Monterey County Health Department for all the support.
Built Environment
City of Marina Approves design for a new park
The City Council approved plan for the Dunes City Park at their regular council meeting on February 6th. The preliminary estimate for Phase 1 of this project is estimated to be $10.3 million and will be drawn from the City’s approved Capital Improvement budget and funds from the Dune developers. This park will provide wonderful amenities for Marina residents, including an all-inclusive play structure, tennis/pickleball courts, an outdoor multi-sport court, basketball, beach volleyball, restrooms, parking, and a “great lawn” for community gatherings. Things are happening in Marina!
City of Seaside advances Parks & Recreation Master Plan
The City of Seaside Parks & Recreation Committee reviewed and provided comments on a 200+ page Master Plan that makes recommendations on the future of park development and recreation programming in the City. The 11-month development process, led by an external consultant team, included numerous community and stakeholder input sessions. The next step will be going to council for formal review and adoption of the plan. For more information: Parks & Recreation Master Plan | Seaside, CA
ParkRx Monterey County website to launch in March!
Stay tuned - the ParkRx movement is coming to Monterey County! Thanks to a collaborative effort with Ventana Wildlife Society, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, Big Sur Land Trust, The Monterey County Health Department, BZPMC and our regional healthcare systems, an informative website that highlights all parks and open spaces in the County will be available. Health care providers across Monterey County can refer patients to the site and local outdoor programs, to meaningfully improve health outcomes, helping residents in Monterey County live longer, better!
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February 2024
Food Policy
Support the Seaside Certified Farmers Market
The Seaside Certified Farmers Market happens EVERY Thursday, 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park, Seaside – YEAR ROUND! Stock up on your fresh vegetables and enjoy making community connections. See flier and click on links below for some great promotional videos:
English: https://vimeo.com/899311608/03c7eb5080?share=copy
Spanish: https://vimeo.com/899671083/3bc6336e46?share=copy
FREE Gardening Workshops at the Monterey Adult School
As part of the Communities for Sustainable Monterey County’s “Our Families Grow Healthy” initiative, FREE gardening classes will be offered to the public at the Monterey Adult School campus in Seaside starting on Saturday, February 24th. See flier for more details and for information on how to register.
Join the Monterey County Garden Network!
Calling all school, institutional and community garden supporters and champions. The Monterey County Garden Network is a gathering of like-minded folks who care about urban agriculture, empowering people of all ages to grow their own food and increase community food security. Cohosted by the Resources Conservation District of Monterey County and BZPMC, we meet monthly (virtually) and in-person quarterly for FREE workshops and network building. Email mcgardennetwork@gmail.com to be added to the network ListServ and calendar invites.
Tobacco Policy
City of Del Rey Oaks Passes TWO tobacco ordinances
Congratulations to the community of Del Rey Oaks for the City Council’s commitment to curbing tobacco! On Tuesday, January 23rd the council voted unanimously to adopt a Tobacco Retail License Ordinance and a Smoke Free Outdoor Spaces Ordinance. BIG Thanks to Council Members Shirley and Hallock for their leadership and to our partners at the Monterey County Health Department and Sun Street Centers for all the support.
Built Environment
ParkRx Monterey County website to launch in March!
Stay tuned - the ParkRx movement is coming to Monterey County! Thanks to a collaborative effort with Ventana Wildlife Society, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, Big Sur Land Trust, BZPMC and our regional healthcare systems, an informative website that highlights all parks and open spaces in the County will be available. Health care providers across Monterey County will refer patients to the site and local outdoor programs, to meaningfully improve health outcomes, helping residents in Monterey County live longer, better!
Community Townhall on Laguna Grande Park
Laguna Grande Park is a critical open space and recreational resource between the bustling cities of Monterey and Seaside. On January 17th community members gathered to share insights and desires for the future development of public programs at the park. The next meeting is scheduled for February 12th, follow progress and get involved HERE: Laguna Grande Regional Park Plan | Have Your Say Monterey
SURF! Bus Rapid Transit Project – PopUp Event on February 10th
Join us on Saturday, February 10th at the 5th Street Station in Marina, along the future SURF! Busway. Come see and learn about plans for the new mobility hub and envision a future where all modes of transportation come together to support upcoming development in the area as well as existing places of interest like CSUMB and the VA DOD Clinic. 10am-12pm. For more information visit: https://mst.org/about-mst/planning-development/surf/
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January 2024
Built Environment Policy
The Cities of Seaside, Monterey and the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District want to hear from YOU! Join us for a Community Townhall about future outdoor programming at Laguna Grande Park! Wednesday, January 17th, 6-7:30pm at 735 Ramona Avenue in Monterey.
Come with your ideas to make this important park and programs more accessible to the community. See flier attached!
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Tobacco Policy
Del Rey Oaks Council says NO to Tobacco - The City of Del Rey Oaks City Council voted unanimously on December 19th to put a Tobacco Retail License Ordinance and Smoke Free Outdoor Spaces into effect. This is an important effort to show solidarity across all Peninsula Cities. The second (procedural) reading is scheduled for January 23rd. They will also be discussing a Smoke Free Multi Unit Housing ordinance on that date as well. BIG appreciation to Council Members Shirley and Hallock for championing this effort, alongside our incredible partners at the Monterey County Health Department.
Food Policy
Successful Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop with the Monterey County Garden Network! The MCGN and Friends of Seaside Parks Association (FOSPA) hosted a free fruit tree pruning workshop with Certified Arborist Peter Quintanilla on December 16th at Havana Soliz Community Garden in Seaside. There was a great turn out and the established fruit trees got a nice renovation! Find out more about the MC Garden Network here: Monterey County Food System Coalition - Interest Group 3- Community and School Gardens (google.com)
Support the Seaside Farmers Market – Open ALL Winter! Stock up on your fruits and vegetables in Seaside on Thursdays, 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park. CalFresh/EBT, MarketMatch, WIC and Senior FMNP Coupons accepted. Seaside Certified Farmers' Market - Everyone’s Harvest (everyonesharvest.org)
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December 2023
Coming soon – ARIEL Theatrical and Blue Zones Project!
In partnership with the City of Salinas and Ecology Action, Blue Zones Project is proud to work with the talented performers of ARIEL Theatrical to create a crosswalk safety message. Showcasing the ‘scramble’ intersections in downtown Salinas, the taped message will be shared on social media. Stay tuned!
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November 2023
Castroville Farmers Market
Thanks to the invaluable partnership with Everyone's Harvest and generous financial backing from Blue Zones Project Monterey County, the Castroville Farmers Market will extend a warm welcome to EBT/CalFresh beneficiaries. As an added benefit to the market, a new $15 Market Match program will create an opportunity for CalFresh users to double their purchasing power. For every $15 spent using an EBT card, consumers will have the ability to of acquire $30 worth of wholesome locally grown produce.
Castroville market takes place at the recreation center at 11261 Crane Street in Castroville, every Thursday from 2pm to 7:30pm!
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October 2023
Built Environment Policy
Soledad Pop-Up Demonstration Project Showcases Safe Improvements for Walking/Biking
Blue Zones Project Monterey County, under the design leadership of Ecology Action and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), assisted with the installation of a temporary demonstration project to support the Safe Routes to School planning in Soledad. Improvements include the creation of dedicated bike lanes, re-painted crosswalks, and student-designed delineators (painted horse troughs) along Front Street, between Oak Street and Nestle Road. This is a busy road that connects to southbound and northbound ramps for CA State 101. It’s a popular route with both students and residents because it provides direct access between services on either side the train trestle that divides the neighborhood. The project will stay up until October 6.
Ecology Action and TAMC are completing audits of all schools in Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City as part of the Safe Routes to School planning. Their recommendations will help inform each city about built environment improvements that support students’ ability to safely walk/bike to school. The city of Salinas completed their planning report in 2022. These demonstration projects not only provide residents the ability to directly experience the improvements, they also are beneficial for cities to showcase in grant applications that provide funding for permanent improvements in the future.
Food Policy
Celebrating Castroville's Freshest Fiesta: A Market Matchup Extravaganza!
BZPMC is delighted to announce its participation in the launch of a farmers market, which will be incorporated into the existing market at the Castroville Recreation Center (organized by North County Recreation and Park District). Commencing on October 12th, the year-round market will feature a minimum of two local growers showcasing their finest fruits and vegetables, all freshly harvested within our community.
In addition to the remarkable produce selection, we are pleased to unveil a strategic collaboration with Everyone's Harvest. This partnership and BZPMC’s financial contribution will allow the market to accept EBT/CalFresh payments and introduce a compelling $15 Market Match initiative.
This noteworthy program empowers EBT cardholders to enhance their purchasing power. By allocating $15 from their EBT card, CalFresh beneficiaries can procure a bounty of produce valued at $30, effectively doubling their investment.
Residents of North Monterey County are encouraged to mark their calendars and make the Castroville market a regular destination for acquiring fresh, locally sourced products. For those residing in other regions of our county, we encourage you to explore alternate venues where you can procure fresh produce and leverage the benefits of the Market Match program.
Castroville market takes place at the recreation center at 11261 Crane Street in Castroville, every Thursday from 2pm to 7:30pm.
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September 2023
Food Policy
Stock up on your weekly fruits and vegetables at a Certified Farmers Market in Monterey County! CalFresh, Market Match and other nutrition incentives available. Learn more with Everyone’s Harvest.
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August 2023
Built Environment Policy
City of Salinas - Active Transportation Plan
The City of Salinas is beginning the update of its Active Transportation Plan. This plan will update the 2002 Bikeways Plan and 2004 Pedestrian Plan and will provide a roadmap for future improvements for walking and bicycling in Salinas, including sidewalks, intersection improvements, bicycle facilities, and trails.
Public input is the foundation of the planning process and will be gathered through community outreach events, public meetings, and online comments.
If you walk and/or bike in Salinas, your opinion matters!
Please visit Letsmodo.org/Salinas to take a brief survey and share your input on an interactive map.
(Salinas ATP is in partnership with CalTrans, Kimley Horn, KTUA Planners and Ecology Action.)
City of Marina 2045 – General Plan Update
The City of Marina invites you to share your input about key issues and core values for our community by responding to the online questionnaire linked below:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XZJ7VZ3
Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/SC6H7QM
Korean: https://ko.surveymonkey.com/r/SWXFTP9
Please share these links widely to all your neighbors and fellow community members. Please note, this is not a statistically valid questionnaire; this is simply an opt-in survey designed to gather information from those who voluntarily participate. This questionnaire is supplemented with multiple other targeted outreach and engagement activities, including stakeholder interviews, pop-up workshops, and focus groups. Visit the project website to stay up to date on the latest events and milestones.
City of Seaside 2040 – General Plan Update
The public comment window for the City of Seaside’s General Plan update closed on July 21, 2023. The likely next step will be for the City Council to review. Please keep your eye on their website for further information: Seaside General Plan Update – Your City. Your Future. (seaside2040.com)
Tobacco Policy
City of Marina to consider updating tobacco policies
The City of Marina has been working towards relooking at their tobacco policies, namely adopting a tobacco retail license (TRL) and making their city parks smoke-free. This effort has been strongly advocated for by Councilmember Brian McCarthy, the Monterey County Health Department and Blue Zones Project. The City of Marina is one of the last municipalities in Monterey County to adopt a TRL, which is critical in controlling tobacco sale and consumption, particularly for youth. It is slated to be on the council agenda on Tuesday, August 15th. Be sure to tune in and offer public comment, if this is something you are passionate about: Agenda Center • City of Marina • CivicEngage
Food Environment Policy
City of Seaside Certified Farmers Market
Stock up on your weekly fruits and vegetables at the Seaside Certified Farmers Market! EVERY Thursday, 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park in Seaside, just across from City Hall. Live music, hot food vendors and a bounce house for the kids, makes this a fun event for all ages! CalFresh, MarketMatch and other nutrition incentives available, learn more here: Seaside Certified Farmers' Market - Everyone’s Harvest (everyonesharvest.org)
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July 2023
Built Environment Policy
City of Seaside
Seaside 2040 General Plan Community Input
The City of Seaside is excited to announce the release of the 6th Cycle, Public Review Draft Housing Element and the Revised Public Review Draft General Plan. The General Plan and Housing Element document a shared vision for the future of Seaside and set the policies and programs to achieve that vision.
The revised public draft of Seaside 2040 General Plan is available HERE for public review now, until July 21, 2023. For more information visit: Seaside General Plan Update – Your City. Your Future. (seaside2040.com)
Hilby Avenue Traffic Calming Initiative
The Hilby Avenue Traffic Calming study kicked off on May 17th with a ‘street experience’ walk and a community meeting at the Oldemeyer Center. The goal of this effort is: 1) Safety for all users; 2) Improve bicycle safety; 3) Improve pedestrian safety; 4) Reduce driving speeds. The consultants expect to prepare a preliminary plan and set of recommendations for feedback by August 2023, with the goal to present to Council in October. Initial construction to implement recommendations is projected for 2024. Provide your input and keep abreast of the project HERE
City of Marina
Marina 2045 General Plan Community Engagement
Want to see the City of Marina more livable, walkable and bikeable? Get involved TODAY! The City of Marina’s General Plan is an important policy document that is required to be updated in all chartered cities every 15 to 20 years per California State Law. The General Plan serves as the City’s roadmap for land use and development decisions and is a key tool for influencing and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses over the next few decades. Click here to learn more: Participate | Marina General Plan (marina2045.org)
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Food Policy
Seaside Certified Farmers Market GRAND OPENING – June 15th
Join Everyone’s Harvest, the City of Seaside and the Blue Zones Project Monterey County as we celebrate the launch of the Seaside Certified Farmers Market at Laguna Grande Park (1259 Canyon Del Rey Blvd in Seaside, CA 93955) on Thursday, June 15th from 3-7pm!
The Seaside Certified Farmers’ Market happily accepts EBT/WIC and conducts a Market Match program for EBT customers to increase their spending power. Ask about Market Match at the Information Booth! Free parking is available next to the Seaside Certified Farmers’ Market or across the street in the City Hall parking lot. MST Bus Routes 20, A, & B exit bus at Del Monte or at Fremont.
City of Seaside focuses on CalFresh Enrollment
The City of Seaside wants to help eligible residents enroll in the CalFresh Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. CalFresh Benefits will be accepted at Seaside Certified Farmer's Market.
Seaside residents can get application assistance through the Family and Community Support Program, by contact Derrick Elder by email at delder@ci.seaside.ca.us or by calling 831.899.6851. Learn more HERE.
Built Environment Policy
Parks & Recreation Master Plan Open House – June 8th
The City of Seaside is preparing a citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan as a blueprint for park and open space improvements. Community input plays an important role in the planning process, and we want to hear from you!
Drop in between 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on June 8th to share your thoughts. Attend the informal Master Plan Open House to learn more about the plan and provide your ideas and feedback on the future of Seaside’s parks, programs and open space. You can also fill out an online survey HERE
For more information: Contact Dan Meewis at (831) 899-6821 or via email: DMeewis@ci.seaside.ca.us
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasiderecreation/
Parks & Recreation Master Plan website:
https://www.ci.seaside.ca.us/797/Parks-Recreation-Master-Plan
SAVE THE DATE – Transit Fair & Family Fun Day!
Join Monterey Salinas Transit and partners for a fun, activity-filled event on Saturday, June 10th from 10am-2pm at the Marina Transit Exchange (280 Reservation Road, Marina CA 93933). Play games, eat tasty food and learn about the vision for transit in Monterey County! Visit www.MST.org/surf
Seaside 2040 General Plan Community Workshops – June 20 & 22
The City of Seaside is excited to announce the release of the 6th Cycle, Public Review Draft Housing Element and the Revised Public Review Draft General Plan. The General Plan and Housing Element document a shared vision for the future of Seaside and set the policies and programs to achieve that vision.
The revised public draft of Seaside 2040 General Plan is available HERE for public review now, until July 21, 2023. There will be a series of community engagement events to garner additional feedback including a virtual Community Workshop on June 20th and an in-person workshop on June 22. For more information visit: Seaside General Plan Update – Your City. Your Future. (seaside2040.com)
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May 2023
Food Policy
Gonzales Gleaning Project
Monterey Workforce Development Program’s GREEN CADRE students spearheaded the foundational efforts of Gonzales Gleaning Project. Urban gleaning consists of community members sharing excess fruit harvest with the community & a group of volunteers that pick up or harvest the produce. The GREEN CADRE students, whose projects focused on food insecurity issues, helped Blue Zones Project with community surveying, analyzing survey results, and conducted the first Harvest!
Marina’s Oak Woodland Community Garden gets new accessible pathways!
Thanks to the help of the Monterey County’s Workforce Development Program’s GREEN CADRE, the Oak Woodland Community Garden has the makings of some new pathways that will help ALL bodies grow fresh vegetables in their community garden. From Mayor Bruce Delgado: “CADRE was great building accessible-to-all-pathways, raised beds, and bench foundations of wire, rock, DG (decomposed granite), and a lot of smiles of accomplishment.”
Visit the Oak Woodland Community Garden adjacent to the Marina Library in Locke Paddon Park!
Built Environment Policy
Hilby Avenue Traffic Calming Initiative
The Hilby Avenue Traffic Calming study kicked off on May 17th with a ‘street experience’ walk and a community meeting at the Oldemeyer Center. The goal of this effort is:
1) Safety for all users;
2) Improve bicycle safety;
3) Improve pedestrian safety;
4) Reduce driving speeds.
The consultants expect to prepare a preliminary plan and set of recommendations for feedback by August 2023, with the goal to present to Council in October. Initial construction to implement recommendations is projected for 2024. Provide your input and keep abreast of the project HERE
Pump Track Grand Opening!
Congratulations to the City of Marina for the successful grand opening of their new pump track at Glorya Jean Tate Park in Marina. This is a benefit for not only Marina residents, but the whole region! It was estimated the event drew 800+ people, with free food and bike giveaways!
Click HERE for a great video of the day.
Marina 2045 General Plan Community Engagement
Want to see the City of Marina more livable, walkable and bikeable? Get involved TODAY! The City of Marina’s General Plan is an important policy document that is required to be updated in all chartered cities every 15 to 20 years per California State Law. The General Plan serves as the City’s roadmap for land use and development decisions and is a key tool for influencing and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses over the next few decades. Click here to learn more: Participate | Marina General Plan (marina2045.org)
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April 2023
Food Policy
As a member of the Nutrition Fitness Collaborative of the Central Coast (NFCCC), Blue Zones Project supported the creation of a tool to promote all the nutrition education offerings for community members in Monterey County, San Benito, and Santa Cruz.
Founded in 2003, the NFCCC collectively works on reducing childhood obesity, increasing physical activity levels, and increasing access to affordable, nutritious food. More than forty agencies and organizations from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties are part of the collaborative. Blue Zones Project has been a member for over four years.
For clickable flyer to access all organizations' links, please email Genevieve LeBlanc at genvieve.leblanc@sharecare.com
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Have POLICY IDEAS to help your city become a happier, healthier place to live, work and play?
We want your input: https://forms.gle/KvUab5m5DrdabXDy9
March 2023
Tobacco Policy
One policy focus of our Blue Zones Project work in Monterey County (BZPMC) is education and advocacy promoting tobacco-free communities. This includes awareness and education for vaping which is both a national and local public health issue for people of all ages. Unfortunately, youth-use of vaping products continues to rise. The county of Monterey has passed an ordinance to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products and BZPMC continues to advocate for all cities to do the same. (Currently, only Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Soledad have flavored tobacco sales restrictions.)
National Take Down Tobacco is a youth-led movement to raise awareness of the problem of tobacco/vape use and to urge elected officials to take action to strengthen local ordinances. BZPMC partnered with Sun Street Centers/STEPS and MC Office of Education to support youth and their Take Down Tobacco efforts. Students in classrooms across the county pledged to be tobacco/vape free and proudly posed with their signed banners. We salute all of these students for being advocates for healthy habits!
Food Environment Policy
The Monterey County Food System Coalition mobilizes diverse food system actors to strengthen human, economic and environmental health for all. Let’s look at Interest Group #1: Increase access to healthy food for food-insecure people.
The latest Monterey County Community health need assessment (CHNA) (published in 2022) reveals that more than a quarter of the adults in our county finds it “very” or “somewhat” difficult to access affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.
The group is composed of Aspire Health (Yasmine Elsherbini, MPH, CHES), CalFresh Healthy Living and WIC (Niaomi Hrepich), Everyone's Harvest (Hester Parker), Blue Zones Project - Monterey County as well as Mark C. Anderson and Louie Diaz-Infante.
Main goals:
- Increase participation in federal food programs, with a special focus on expanding CalFresh (SNAP) enrollment.
- Expand Food Incentive Programs, with a focus on Market Match and Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB)
- Enhance referrals and provide resources for food insecure residents.
A few months ago, Everyone’s Harvest was awarded a $500,000 to expand Fresh Rx in Monterey County and $200,000 grant for a two-year project entitled "Food is Medicine: Expanding the Fresh Rx Produce Prescription in Monterey County.”
In parallel, Aspire Health was awarded a $1 million grant from the California Nutrition Incentive Program to initiate a Double Up Food Bucks Program in partnership with Blue Zones Project. This program will be launched publicly in June 2023 in four stores across the county and will expand to more stores in 2024.
The group is also hoping to Support the launch of a farmers’ markets in South County and Seaside that will accept nutrition incentives.
If you are curious to learn more, feel free to join our interest group meetings or a food system coalition meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend! Simply reach out and I will share the invite! Visit: Monterey County Food System Coalition (MCFSC) website
February 2023
Built Environment
Our friends at Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) are studying programs, policies, and infrastructure improvements that could increase access to active and public transportation and support future development alongside MST’s SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit project, in collaboration with the local cities. Your input is critical to the success of this effort.
Participation in this survey is voluntary and the results will be completely confidential. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/a6rgvPbXmb9QFN319
The City of Seaside is working hard to put a new traffic calming program into place to support biking, walking and other forms of active transit! This program will help manage traffic speed-related concerns along local and collector streets throughout Seaside. Through an application process, residents identify vehicular speed and safety-related concerns on their streets to the city. To be considered in the next cycle, applications are due by September 30th and can be found here: Seaside-Traffic-Calming-Program-Document_221031
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- Quick Links on the Traffic Advisory Committee webpage: https://www.ci.seaside.ca.us/424/Traffic-Advisory-Committee
Food Environment
March 11th – Community Volunteer Day at Havana Soliz Park in Seaside Founded by Seaside native, Robert Daniels, this garden is ready to thrive in 2023. Help plant the springtime edible garden. Meet new friends and neighbors. Move naturally. Help make Seaside more beautiful in collaboration with Friends of Seaside Parks Association (FOSPA)!
REGISTER FOR THE EVENT: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/540657770947
Calling out SCHOOL LEADERS!!!!
We are hosting a series of gardening workshops for our Schools Leaders
January 2023
Built Environment
The City of Marina is beginning to update their General Plan. This document will shape the infrastructure and character of the City for the next 20+ years! Consider engaging in the process to support a more livable, bikeable, walkable and overall healthy community. You can sign up for email notifications for community input sessions and fill out a survey HERE: General Plan 2045 | Marina, CA - Official Website (cityofmarina.org)
The City of Seaside is collecting public input on the Initial Study of the Broadway Avenue Complete Street Corridor Improvements Project. The project includes the design and construction of a 1.3-mile road diet on Broadway Avenue from Fremont Boulevard to General Jim Moore Boulevard and safe routes to school improvements on Yosemite Street from San Pablo Avenue to Wanda Avenue. The road diet will transform the 4- lane roadway to a 2‐lane roadway with curb extensions, buffered and protected bike facilities, roundabouts, and Safe Routes to School improvements including off‐ set crosswalk, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, and accessible design. Improvements on Yosemite Street will include bicycle pavement markings, signage, curb extensions and high visibility crosswalks. The public is encouraged to provide feedback in helping make Seaside more bike and pedestrian friendly! More information can be found about the project HERE: Broadway Ave & Yosemite St Complete Streets - City | Social Pinpoint (engagekh.com)
Food Environment
Calling all school and community garden champions! We are reconvening the Monterey County Garden Network in 2023 to support skill building, resource sharing, funding ideas and networking opportunities for gardeners across Monterey County. Join us for monthly (free) virtual learning session and quarterly in-person garden tours. For more information email: roos@sharecare.com
Tobacco Cessation
Save the Date to ‘Take Down Tobacco’ - March 31st! Blue Zones Project will be collaborating with Sun Street Centers to get youth engaged across Monterey County through clean ups, public advocacy and education in schools!
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December 2022
Organic Waste- from Landfills to School and Community Gardens!
Last year, SB 1383 was the most significant waste reduction mandate to be adopted in California in the last 30 years. Considering that organic waste Is the largest waste stream in California, all jurisdictions must now significantly reduce (75% by 2025) organic waste in landfills. Have you ever wondered what that means for Monterey County?
The two waste management agencies in our county ReGen Monterey and Salinas Valley Recycles are both doing some outreach and education about food scraps and yard trimmings and those are now composted in Gonzales on a commercial site. The public-private partnership between Salinas Valley Recycles and Atlas Organics allows organics material to be transformed into compost that can then be used to enrich soil and grow nutrients-dense produce!
Curious to know where this compost goes once it is mature and ready?
Last December, Blue Zones Project Monterey County collaborated with Atlas Organics to distribute more than 170 cubic yards of compost to twenty-eight schools and community gardens across our county. We look forward to seeing what will grow in those gardens in the months to come and share some stories from those gardens.
Picture: Compost distribution at Pacific Grove Community Garden
New California Tobacco Retail Law
As of December 21, 2022, Prop 31 the statewide ban on flavored tobacco products went into effect. This is monumental in protecting youth from harmful tobacco products and lifelong addictions. To learn more, click HERE.
For smoking cessation support, visit: Cessation | Monterey County, CA
Take action
Residents in the City of Marina can provide feedback on housing/development, as the City works on their 6th Cycle housing element. Look for the survey links at the bottom of this page on their website.
City of Seaside residents are invited to submit feedback through the City’s newly adopted ‘Traffic Calming Program’ to support safer streets that are more bike and pedestrian friendly. Follow this link for more information.
The BZPMC Policy team warmly welcomes and congratulates all newly seated City Council members and Mayors in the region. We look forward to working together to improve health and wellbeing across municipalities in Monterey County!
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October 2022
Safe Routes to School Salinas Valley – Planning for Safer Streets!
The goal of the Safe Routes to Schools planning process is to improve safety for students biking and walking to 22 schools in the Salinas Valley and reduce traffic around those schools. The Plan will include a list of recommended street projects and safe routes to school programs to improve safety around each school. This will include things like new sidewalks and improved crosswalks, as well as new programs like safety education, walking school buses and school carpooling.
Last month, TAMC and Ecology Action organized a temporary installation along 12th Street in Greenfield. The pop-up included enhanced crosswalks and curb extensions. Among those who will benefit are children and adults using active transportation (i.e., walking, biking, skating, scooting) when traveling to and from Arroyo Seco Academy (1226 Apple Avenue), Oak Avenue Elementary (1239 Oak Avenue), and Vista Verde Middle School (1199 Elm Avenue). The goal of the demonstration is to gather feedback and data for permanent improvements to the area.
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September 2022
Built Environment Progress
The City of Seaside is making notable progress towards improving their parks and trail systems. As part of the Blue Zones Project Monterey County marquee project work, the City has identified three parks in upper Seaside that connect several schools and neighborhoods, as an opportunity to model accessibility, connectivity and natural movement.
They have recently released a request for proposals to help with the design. Learn more here.
Community Input Welcomed:
Monterey-Salinas Transit is actively soliciting feedback from the community on their proposed SURF busway and bus rapid transit line that will help mitigate traffic on Hwy1 during active commute hours. Public can learn more about the project here.
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August 2022
Tobacco Policy Win
The City of Monterey recently passed an updated tobacco ordinance that banned the sale of flavored tobacco products and single-use vaping devices. Their leadership will work inspire other municipalities to follow suit, keeping these harmful substances out of the hands of youth in our communities. Kudos to council for passing it 5-0 and city staff for such thoughtful recommendations.
Built Environment Progress
Blue Zones Project Monterey County partner, Monterey Salinas Transit, was recently awarded a $25 million grant to support the further development of the SURF Bus Rapid Transit line that will help mitigate commute traffic along the Hwy1 corridor. They are actively soliciting community input: SURF! Community Input Hub | Social Pinpoint (mysocialpinpoint.com) Please lend your voice to this important regional transportation project.
Food Policy Connections
In an effort to support local food sovereignty and community food security, Blue Zones Project is working to build a network of community and school garden practitioners across Monterey County. We had our first in-person gathering at the lovely Pacific Grove Community Garden, with plans for many more gatherings to build skills, share resources and nurture relationships. If you are interested in getting involved, email: tanja.roos@sharecare.com
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July 2022
Soledad City Council Approves Flavored Tobacco Ban Ordinance
Following the recent action by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, the Soledad City Council unanimously approved a Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) ordinance on May 4 that includes a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products (including menthol flavors and hookah tobacco). The TRL also includes a ban on the sale of single-use electronic devices.
Vaping is not a healthy alternative to regular tobacco use and flavored products are the number one product used by youth. There are more than 15,000 tobacco product flavors on the market and electronic cigarettes, often disguised as USB drives or highlighter pens, are marketed specifically to youth in appealing flavors. Youth who smoke e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes than those who have never tried them.
Blue Zones Project Monterey County applauds Soledad for supporting this ordinance. More cities throughout Monterey County are considering similar action and we thank Soledad for leading this effort in the county.
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June 2022
As we wrap up our Project Year 1 in Peninsula Cities, things have been busy on the policy front. Major kudos to the City of Seaside for their continued work in advancing food policy work with the recent City Council action of passing a Healthy Foods Resolution and Policy for all city-sponsored events on May 19th. This continues to lay the groundwork for making healthy choices easier, for all City staff and community members! They even took to social media to share the good news and offered Blue Zones-inspired healthy food and beverage suggestions for their followers. Their strong leadership will help inspire meaningful policy action in other municipalities across Monterey County.
Blue Zones Project also completed a healthy food access survey within the City of Seaside and thanks to a collaboration with The Village Project’s Community Health Workers (CHWs), over half the survey responses were collected on paper, out in community. The bilingual survey contained several questions about challenges/opportunities around community access to healthy foods, interest in an outdoor/farmers market, community gardens, corner store revitalizations and more. The survey results have already been shared with several community-based nonprofits, city staff and will inform future BZP food policy work within the City of Seaside.
On the Built Environment front, we were thrilled to help install a demonstration walking path on the campus of Monterey Peninsula College – thanks to a collaboration with MPC Student Health Services, a newly approved BZP participating organization. Their vision was to get students to move naturally MORE and with the help of some great sidewalk wayfinding decals and a scannable QR code with a map, students can easily head out on a walk. We look forward to working more with MPC and engaging their students in BZP activities.
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May 2022
Salinas Safe Routes to School – Temporary Protected Walking/Biking Installation
BZPMC was proud to support the Salinas Safe Routes to School partner organizations (TAMC, City of Salinas, MC Health Dept. and Ecology Action) with their installation of temporary improvements at McKinnon Street and Westminster Drive. This demonstration project was designed with students in mind. The project includes barriers between the bike lane and the motor vehicle lane, which makes it safer for students to bike to Harden Middle School and North Salinas High. Improvements also make it safer for students who walk to/from the adjacent neighborhoods.
The project is up until May 18. You are invited to walk and bike on McKinnon Street and Westminster Drive during this installation and share your feedback: https://saferoutesmonterey.org/planning-salinas
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April 2022
March was a busy month for policy in the Peninsula Cities! We were happy to welcome Blue Zones national policy experts in the food and built environment to conduct site walks and meet with community partners throughout Marina, Monterey and Seaside.
Margaret Adamek, Blue Zone national food policy expert joined us to tour community gardens, meet with institutional/municipal partners and discuss opportunities to strengthen healthy food access and equity in the Peninsula Cities.
Dan Burden and Tony Hull, Blue Zone national built environment experts enjoyed four different site walks in the Peninsula Cities. The first was with several elected officials, city staff and nonprofit leaders in the City of Seaside to further discuss the marquee project that has been identified: an urban trail in upper Seaside connecting 3 city parks and multiple schools. Next stop was in Del Rey Oaks, to walk with one of the founders of the FORTAG (Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway) and a representative from Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) to discuss community and regional benefits of the project. Multiple Mayors and city staff from DRO, Monterey and Seaside were all actively involved in this cross-jurisdictional capacity building event.
We then enjoyed lunch at Blue Zones Approved Restaurant, Aki Fresh, in Marina where we met with MST (Monterey Salinas Transit) and City of Marina leadership to discuss community engagement around the proposed SURF Bus Rapid Transit line that will connect Marina to the Peninsula.
Finally, we walked Locke Paddon Park in Marina to discuss their marquee project, specifically looking at connectivity to the downtown core which has planned revitalization underway. All in all, a busy but productive day! So many great opportunities to support our regional cities in creating built environments that encourage natural movement, community vitality and wellbeing.
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March 2022
Safer Streets Make Healthy Choices Easier
Blue Zones Project Monterey County encourages Complete Streets – an approach that allows safe, comfortable and convenient access for all who use public streets, regardless of their mode of transportation. It makes it easier to cross the street and to walk/bike to shops, work and schools. Complete Streets encourage active modes of transportation and help make healthy choices of movement easier.
Let’s share the road…we are on it together!
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February 2022
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January 2022
A huge shout-out to food policy champions in Monterey County!
In July 2021, the Blue Zones Project Monterey County was part of a group who participated in the launch of a food policy council for our county. Food Policy Councils (FPCs) act as both forums for food issues and platforms for coordinated action. They bring together stakeholders from diverse food-related sectors to examine how the food system is operating. FPCs have been successful at educating officials and the public, shaping public policy, improving coordination between existing programs, and starting new programs.
To create such a coalition different people have come together, and we would love to thank three leaders without whom this council would not be.
Niaomi Hrepich, WIC Director and Health Program Coordinator is a Registered Dietitian and a wealth of knowledge. She has an unmatched understanding of all the state and federal programs related to nutrition offered in our community. She leads the Nutrition Fitness Collaborative of the Central Coast (NFCCC) and she has been doing amazing work in Monterey County for the last two decades.
Hester Parker is a Lecturer/Adjunct Research Faculty at CSUMB and acting Executive Director of Everyone’s Harvest. She was the first to address the need for a food policy council in Monterey County and made this vision a reality. Hester co-founded MC-COA -a coalition of public health and medical professionals, agricultural industry representatives, and farmworker advocates-initiated in order to protect farmworkers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her passion to contribute to a healthy food system is inspiring!
Melanie Wong is a member of the California Food Policy Council (CAFPC), a coalition of food policy councils and similar organizations from around the state who work together on state policy. She is incredibly passionate about food policy and has a great systemic vision. She keeps us all on our toes regarding new bills and/or upcoming policies that could potentially impact our county.
These three amazing leaders are invaluable, and we am immensely grateful for their time, their vision, and their passion. Stay tune to learn more about them and their work in the community in 2022.
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December 2021
Improving the Built Environment of Salinas
Blue Zones Project Monterey County, in partnership with Salinas City Center, has created an urban walking loop in Oldtown Salinas to encourage people to get out and move while enjoying downtown businesses. The one-mile looped path along the newly revitalized Main Street, with wider sidewalks and pedestrian improvements, is marked with decal arrows.
“People have shared that the decals encourage and remind them to take a quick break from work with a walk, or explore all the blocks of downtown as they are shopping,” says Jenna Abramson, Salinas City Center Improvement Association.
Next time you are visiting downtown Salinas, park and follow the blue arrows to take the ‘urban hike’!
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October 2021
The first several months of Blue Zones Project policy work in the Peninsula Cities has been focused on building relationships with city staff in Marina and Seaside, who have enthusiastically welcomed Blue Zones Project into their communities.
With Mayor Oglesby as an early champion in Seaside, the City Council unanimously approved a BZP Resolution of support in September and we’ve been working closely with Dan Meewis, Recreation Director, to identify opportunities to enhance parks and trail connectivity in support of natural movement. The City also recently updated their mobile vendor ordinance (food trucks) and we are in conversation with staff to include language that makes healthier food options -along with fresh fruits and vegetables- more readily accessible for the community.
The City of Marina also passed a BZP resolution of support in September and we are working with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager to align with their efforts to improve walkability, parks and recreation opportunities.
Please reach out to Community Program Manager, Tanja Roos, if you’d like to get involved in policy work in the Peninsula Cities: tanja.roos@sharecare.com
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September 2021
The roadmap to safer streets in Salinas!
Blue Zones Project Monterey County is proud to announce that on September 14, the Salinas City Council approved a resolution adopting the Salinas Vision Zero Action Plan. This Action Plan outlines the initiatives and actions that City departments and partner agencies will take to advance goals of the City’s Vision Zero Policy, reducing severe injury traffic collisions and fatalities on Salinas streets.
What does this mean? Although the City already actively implements safety projects, programs and efforts consistent with Vision Zero Policy, the Vision Zero Action Plan aligns with community feedback staff received from other planning efforts and uses data to identify priority projects. In addition to building better and safer streets, the City is committed to educate the public on traffic safety, enforce traffic laws and adopt policy changes that saves lives. “The ultimate goal with Vision Zero is create a culture that prioritizes traffic safety to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on Salinas streets,” says Andrew Easterling, Traffic Engineer for the City of Salinas.
For more information and to stay informed on this City-wide effort to create safer streets in Salinas, please visit the Salinas Vision Zero Webpage: https://www.cityofsalinas.org/our-city-services/public-works/current-projects/vision-zero
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August 2021
Leticia Hernandez Awarded KCBA FOX 35's High 5 Award for her Contribution to Natividad Creek Park
For the last eighteen months, Blue Zones Project has been collaborating with Leticia Hernandez, Xinampa and Mearth to support the expansion of Natividad Creek Park community garden, in Salinas. Leticia funded the garden five years ago and she was recently awarded the KCBA FOX 35's High 5 award for her amazing contribution.
Congratulations Leti! We are honored to collaborate with you!
You can learn more about Leticia’s vision in this video: KCBA FOX 35's High Five Award Winner: Leticia Hernandez
And learn about the project to prescribe a garden box to families for a full year in this one:
Another Look at KCBA FOX 35's High Five Award Winner: Leticia Hernandez
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Food Policy -BZP Blog August 2021
Kudos to North Monterey County Unified School District!
North Monterey County Unified School District (NMCUSD) was recently awarded two major grants to create thriving nutrition services in the 7 schools they serve.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) awarded them a $67,000 grant to create a farm to cafeteria program. A few weeks ago, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded NMCUSD a $97,000 Farm to School Program grant. Thanks to that financial support the school district is creating a local purchasing program and farm education program in collaboration with ALBA Organics.
In parallel, seven schools from NMCUSD recently registered and started the process to become Blue Zones Project approved schools.
It is so inspiring and encouraging to work with community partners like NMCUSD! Congratulations on your amazing work! We are honored to collaborate with you!
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A Food Policy Council (FPC) for Monterey County
On July 13th, the first official meeting of the newly formed food policy council (FPC) was held. For the last year a small group of collaborators worked together to bring the council to life. Collaborators include:
- Guillermina Hernandez, CalFresh & Nutrition Education Coordinator at Catholic Charities
- Niaomi Hrepich, RD, Health Program Coordinator, CalFresh Healthy Living Project Director
- Sara Housman, MPH, RD, Clinical Dietitian, SVMHS
- Hester Parker, Lecturer and Adjunct Research Faculty at CSUMB
- Tanja Roos, Community Program Manager - Blue Zones Project Monterey County
- Melanie Wong, Chair of Healthy Food Access, NFCCC
A food policy council (FPC) is a voluntary body made up of stakeholders from across the food system. Typically, its role is to examine how a food system operates and provide ideas, actions, and policy recommendations on how to improve it. The most vibrant FPC gathers stakeholders from very diverse sectors of the food systems.
More than twenty participants attended the first meeting, and the next meeting will be held virtually on August 19th from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Anyone willing to be involved with food policy is welcome! If you are interested in attending the meeting or know someone who may be interested, please contact genevieve.leblanc@sharecare.com
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In 2014, the Salinas City Council unanimously approved 68-acres for the four-phase Salinas Regional Soccer Complex (SRSC) project. Developed by volunteers and community organizations, the SRSC celebrates the community’s connection to the game, with the goal to engage youth in soccer and other recreational activities to promote health and positive social activities for the whole family.
Working with the Blue Zones Project Monterey County, the SRSC staff installed outdoor fitness stations (3) and benches (3) with shading adjacent to the walking trail to offer residents an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities and free fitness all in a beautiful outdoor setting. Fitness equipment in public parks is recognized as highly beneficial for promoting a healthier lifestyle without the need for a gym membership and benches are valued as public, egalitarian, and free. The opportunity to rest on a bench can be restorative for mental health and support local walking.
In 2021, BZP Monterey Co. initiated an additional project for the complex. The Born Learning Trail, a project of United Way, provides a fun way for parents/caregivers to interact with children from newborn to age five. The ‘trail’ is a 10‐station circuit course with learning activities at each station and signs are marked in both English and Spanish. SRSC installed the signs along the path and BZP volunteers painted the path to correspond with some of the activity prompts.
SRSC has embraced the BZP principles and together, we hope to make the most of the community’s assets, inspiration, and potential. The results will be the creation of a quality public space that strengthens individual and community health, happiness, pride, and well-being.
Salinas Regional Soccer Complex: 1440 Constitution Blvd., Salinas 93905
For more information, please contact Kendra Howell, Policy Lead: kendra.howell@sharecare.com
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July 2021
On June 8, the Salinas City Council approved amending the City’s current smoking ordinance to include electronic devices. This update not only modernizes the current ordinance, but it also matches California’s smoke-free laws. Most importantly, it recognizes electronic devices (e-cigarettes) in the same manner as traditional tobacco products, which have negative health effects for both the user and for those exposed secondhand.
The City of Salinas wholeheartedly embraced the Blue Zones Project initiative in 2018 to support the health and wellbeing of residents. The attractiveness of electronic cigarette products among youth is of great concern not only nationwide, but throughout Monterey County, and this ordinance amendment is an important step to address this issue.
Amending the current ordinance to include electronic devices maintains the City’s current standards for clean air, reduces the potential for normalization of tobacco product use, and prevents voluntary exposure to nicotine and other aerosolized emissions from products.
Blue Zones Project Monterey County is grateful to the Salinas City staff and the Council for supporting this amendment.
For more information, please contact Kendra Howell, Policy Lead: kendra.howell@sharecare.com
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May 2021
Blue Zones Project Monterey County is proud to support King City’s 2-month demonstration trial for reverse diagonal parking on downtown Broadway. Reverse (back-in) parking reduces collisions by eliminating the need to back out into traffic and the driver can see oncoming traffic or cyclists. It is also safer for passengers, especially children, because they exit the vehicle towards the curb instead of the street.
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April 2021
THE COMMUNITY GARDEN IN NATIVIDAD CREEK PARK IS EXPANDING AND LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Blue Zones Project has been assisting the community garden in Natividad Creek Park for the last year and we are delighted to support its expansion and the fundraising efforts to create new initiatives.
The goal of the project is to provide long-term, reliable access to public space for residents to grow food, foster social connectedness, increase availability of healthy food for families, improve neighborhood quality of life, create a multi-generational learning space, and encourage physical activity. The community garden even has the potential of generating youth economic development opportunities.
The fundraising goal is $30,000 and will be used to:
- Purchase a shed to store all the gardening equipment and new seeds and plants
- Pay a part time garden coordinator that will support families growing their food and create an annual calendar of activities
- Organize great workshops with Xinampa and other community partners for the community
If this project resonates with you, there is currently a crowdfunding campaign underway on GoFundMe.
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March 2021
On March 16, Blue Zones Project Monterey County convened a virtual Tobacco Policy Summit, which included 17 community leaders and key stakeholders from across our region. Under the guidance of national tobacco policy experts, Andrea Mowery and Toben Nelson, participants walked through the findings of a Tobacco Policy ‘Discovery’ report, which included input from key stakeholders representing county and city leadership, chronic disease experts, education leaders, and youth advocates. The report findings provided excellent context for participants to work in small groups to determine policy recommendations to guide tobacco policy work specific to the Peninsula Cities (Marina, Seaside and Monterey) and the greater Monterey County expansion efforts. Clear policy priorities emerged from the group, which will be vetted and included in a final report, completed by end of April. Participants left the Summit feeling energized about the collaborative opportunities to advance tobacco control policies and support better health for all residents of Monterey County.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Kendra Howell, Senior Policy Lead (Monterey County): kendra.howell@sharecare.com or Tanja Roos, Community Program Manager (Peninsula Cities): tanja.roos@sharecare.com
