The City of Salinas is the 34th largest City in the state with a population of approximately 155,205. Salinas is located in beautiful Monterey County, and is the County seat. Just 40 minutes south of the heart of the nation’s high-tech industry, Silicon Valley, the City has the largest population in California’s Central Coast, is a multicultural and diverse community and a key asset in today’s global economy. The region also boasts spectacular scenery, from breathtaking mountains and valleys, to the beauty of the sun, sand, sea, and soil. Salinas serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region. The marine climate is ideal for the floral industry, grape vineyards, and vegetable growers. Salinas is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” for its large, vibrant agriculture industry. The City is rich in diversity with an approximate 75% Hispanic population and a median age of 34, which allows for various cultural family activities and world class annual events such as the California Air Show, California Rodeo Salinas, El Grito Festival, Forbes Ag Tech Summit and world-renowned amenities right next door, including the Pebble Beach Golf Resort and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Salinas is home to Hartnell, a robust community college, along with being just minutes from Cal State Monterey Bay. The City is also home to a wealth of cultural and historic assets, including the California Welcome Center/Regional Heritage Center and the National Steinbeck Center – the only museum in the country devoted to a single author - along with Steinbeck’s family home. Salinas is the birthplace of John Steinbeck. Although agriculture forms the economic base, more than 100 manufacturing, financial, and medical related firms call Salinas home. Salinas has a global reputation as an agriculture and innovation hub, it is a source for agricultural research and resources and is developing the latest technology and advancements. Some of the largest employers in the City include the County of Monterey, Taylor Farms, D’Arrigo Bros, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. Visitors can also explore the nearby Monterey Peninsula, the historic missions of San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Carmel and San Antonio de Padua, the world class wineries of South Monterey County and the beauty of nearby beaches and Pinnacles National Monument.