Two growers in this watershed group have stepped up to the plate to help the group learn more about water quality in this watershed.  Specifically, Jim Manassero and Chris Bunn worked over the past year with the Resource Conservation District to begin to determine if there is a difference in water quality with existing vegetation compared to no vegetation along drainage ditches.  The RCD found that, in some sections along the Blanco Drain ag drainage ditch, vegetation may already be helping to clean up water as it flows downstream.  The RCD, in partnership with these growers and contributions of time and effort from Marc Los Huertos, UC Santa Cruz, put together a small scale monitoring program to compare different conditions within sections of the Blanco Drain ditch. 

The Resource Conservation District prepared a detailed and very useful description of the goals and objectives they had in working with the growers.  Following that work, on December 7th, 2005 Chris Bunn hosted and provided a barbeque lunch for a Vegetated Treatment Systems Workshop specifically designed by Farm Bureau Coordinators for the Blanco Drain/Alisal Slough Watershed group.  See the agenda with speakers and topics below.  The Regional Water Quality Control Board reviewed the workshop agenda in advance and granted 2 water quality education hours.  Farm Bureau Coordinators provided growers with Certificates for 2 hours on the day of the workshop.   

Chris Bunn, Jim Manassero, and all the other growers in this watershed have helped to keep the dialogue focused on what may be practical and feasible means of improving the water quality of the Blanco Drain.  Water treatment systems can come in many different shapes, sizes, and address different water quality concerns.  There is some discussion in the group about how to make the Blanco Drain water available for re-use in the areas where seawater intrusion is a concern.  The group will continue to meet with representatives of organizations, agencies and others to hear information on the challenges and opportunities in this watershed.

Jim Manassero is the Assistant to the General Manager for D'Arrigo Brothers, a respected name in growing & shipping for more than 75 years.  The next generation is very important to this family owned and operated business.  The company was founded by Stephen and Andrew D’Arrigo, two immigrants from Messina, Sicily.  Now a third generation D’Arrigo family member runs both East and West Coast operations.  They have become nationally known by their Andy Boy label and are continuously involved in agricultural research as well as efforts to promote health and nutrition.
The website is www.andyboy.com/home.html.

Chris Bunn is the manager of another family farming business.  Crown Packing has been a name in farming in the Salinas Valley since the 1930's.  The company now has a fourth generation family member in the business.  Chris Bunn’s family also operates The Farm, a unique agricultural showcase located in Salinas.  The Farm consists of an agricultural education center, demonstration farm, produce stand and recreation destination. The Farm is designed to tell the story of contemporary farming amidst the majestic surroundings of California's Central Coast.  After years of shipping vegetables out of the Central Coast, the family realized that county residents have few opportunities to buy fresh local produce even though the best crops in the world were grown right at their doorstep. County residents and visitors have even fewer opportunities to learn about agriculture from those who know it best, those who work in the fields. The Farm was born to create a place where families, school groups, senior citizens, tourists, and others can meet agriculture.  The Farm website is www.thefarm-salinasvalley.com/index.html.