The City of Salinas is the 33rd largest city in the state with a population of approximately 163,542. 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. Salinas serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region. 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 Rodeo Salinas, Salinas International Airshow, 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 count...ry 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 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 Health.