Alternative Newsweekly Foundation (ANF) is dedicated to the promotion and support of independent journalism to support the core principles of the alternative press: Speaking truth to power, telling stories other publications won’t, and giving voice to those who would otherwise go unheard.
ANF also serves as a fiscal sponsor to independent entities that build local news and information infrastructure to serve their communities.
Salinas is the largest city between San Jose and Fresno, with about 160,000 residents, 79 percent of whom identify as Latino or Hispanic according to the 2020 census. It is the county seat, the center of an agriculture industry that contributes $11.7 billion to the county economy, and the heart of an emerging ag tech innovation hub. Yet its longtime daily newspaper, The Salinas Californian, has essentially abandoned the city.
The stories from Salinas and the Salinas Valley are vital. They are a snapshot of the most compelling issues facing California in 2026, and they warrant more coverage, not less.
Research shows that without strong local journalism, civic engagement deteriorates, voter participation declines, and corruption, wasteful spending and fraud flourish, while misinformation erodes trust in local leaders. These harms fall hardest on majority-minority communities.
Salinas Valley Now, launched in May 2026 by Monterey County Weekly & Monterey County Now, is the remedy: a free daily newsletter and website, in English and Spanish, dedicated to the news of Salinas and the Salinas Valley.
I’ve just donated $500 through Monterey Gives to your new digital publication for the Salinas Valley. What a wonderful gift you are going to offer Salinas and Monterey County! I’m so impressed with all you’ve accomplished so far and look forward to seeing it as it evolves. Journalism IS my thing and I tell everyone I encounter that the Weekly is the best source of local news and issue coverage that we have. Local news is expensive--and vital. Your accolades from CNPA are well-deserved.
- Susan M, Monterey
