Client News
South Monterey County officials take big step in fixing digital divide
A major agreement was signed in Gonzales Friday afternoon designed to bring an end to the digital divide in south Monterey County.
"For too long the residents of our south county have not had access to broadband like they deserve," said King City Mayor Mike LeBarre.
The mayors of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City along with Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez all signed off on an agreement that officially creates the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority, a joint powers agreement that will develop and oversee the expansion of broadband service in south county communities. Lopez was the driving force.
"So when this is up and running what you're going to see is more access no matter where you live we're going to find you you're going to see way higher speeds than you're currently seeing and really what you're going to see is opportunity in the form of competition," Lopez said.
More competition means more internet providers to choose from and cheaper rates for south county consumers.
"This is good for south county we're rural we don't have many internet companies to choose from so we get stuck with whatever companies are there, sometimes they're not working very well," said Greenfield Mayor Pro-Tem Angela Untalon, who signed the agreement on behalf of Mayor Lance Walker.
If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the digital divide between many communities, highlighted by a picture of two young girls sitting outside a Salinas Taco Bell, using the restaurant's WiFi to do homework.
About City of Gonzales
The city of Gonzales, California is located in Monterey County. The quaint and culturally diverse community of approximately 9,000 people is in the heart of the Salinas Valley’s agricultural and wine region. Gonzales is an established regional leader in agricultural-technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Gonzales is home to companies such as HealthySoil, which manufactures products to improve agricultural crop production; Converted Organics, a natural fertilizer company; Taylor Farms, a fresh vegetable production facility, Mann Packing/Del Monte Fresh, a leading supplier of fresh cut vegetables; Ramsay Highlander, an innovator, designer and manufacturer of technologically-advanced harvesting equipment; Papé Equipment Handling, Braga Fresh, Green Valley Farm Supply, Tessemae’s, American Bioscience, Caraccioli Cellars, and Constellation Brands, an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits.