Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

09/03/2026

Salinas turned purple to kick off a new Relay For Life season! Community members gathered at 1 Main Street to honor local heroes, celebrate survivors, and highlight the incredible power of local cancer-fighting efforts. Thank you to everyone who joined us to illuminate our community with hope!

09/02/2026

For 100 years, California Water Service has delivered more than water; it has delivered trust on tap. As the company looks ahead to the next century, its mission remains clear: to provide quality, service, and value while caring for customers, employees, communities, and the resources entrusted to its stewardship. In Salinas and beyond, Cal Water’s legacy continues to flow—one customer, one community, and one drop at a time.

To celebrate this significant milestone, Cal Water is hosting a customer appreciation celebration on September 10, 2026, between 5-7 p.m. at the National Steinbeck Center at One Main Street. Visit Cal Water resource stations, meet team members, and learn about our programs and services. It will be a family-friendly event with complimentary food and refreshments and special anniversary fun in the heart of downtown.

We cordially invite Chamber members, Cal Water customers, and community partners to join us for a special milestone event as we honor California Water Service’s 100th Anniversary. Since 1926, California Water Service has been a cornerstone of our region, and they’ve been a proud partner of our Chamber since 1962.

Register online at Salinaschamber.com

09/01/2026

Join us as we welcome CaliDental into our Chamber community with a special Ribbon Cutting and Open House! Since opening their doors in February 2025, the CaliDental team has been dedicated to crafting beautiful, confident smiles through expert general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. As a true dental home for all, they provide specialized care tailored to the individual needs of children, teens, and adults.

Come meet the staff, tour the new facility, and learn about exclusive new patient specials. This is a family-friendly celebration. We will have snacks, popcorn, ice cream, face painting, and fun activities for the kids! We look forward to seeing you there!

Register online at Salinaschamber.com

Join us as we welcome CaliDental into our Chamber community with a special Ribbon Cutting and Open House! Since opening their doors in February 2025, the CaliDental team has been dedicated to crafting beautiful, confident smiles through expert general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. As a ...

08/31/2026

On Friday, September 4th, One Main Street will come alive for an evening of art, music, culture, and community as we celebrate the closing of Alebrijes & Nahuales: Fantastic Animals from Mexico in Salinas! The event is free and open to the community from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with activities happening indoors and outdoors throughout the evening.

Program schedule:
🕓 4:00 – 6:00 PM | Community & Artist Experience | Indoors
Explore local artist organization tables and both gallery exhibitions, including the Small Alebrijes Exhibition, curated by JC Gonzalez of Urban Arts Collective, and the Student Alebrijes Exhibit, featuring 100+ student creations. Free kids’ activities will also be available in the Vista Room, hosted by the Hartnell College Foundation as part of First Friday Salinas.

🎷 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Salinas High School Jazz Band | Indoors
Enjoy live jazz in the Rotunda while exploring the galleries and artist tables.

🎨 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Artists Ink Programming & Brush War | Indoors
Celebrate art curated by local students from Gavilan View Middle School with student recognition, followed by the final round of the Artists Ink Brush War and live artist showcase in Gallery II.

💃 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Guelaguetza Salinas | Outdoors
Experience a vibrant traditional cultural showcase celebrating the rich traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico.

🎤 6:00 – 6:30 PM | Closing Celebration | Indoors
Gather in the Salinas Room for partner and artist acknowledgments, closing remarks, and the announcement of the Brush War winner!

🎶 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Qiensave | Outdoors
Cap off the celebration with live music from Qiensave.

📅 Friday, September 4th
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 One Main Street, Salinas
🎟️ Free and open to the community

Learn more at SalinasChamber.com/alebrijes-y-nahuales

08/26/2026

Join us on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM at The Steinbeck House for our bi-monthly Chamber Lunch Connect— a great opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members, network in a relaxed setting, and enjoy a delicious meal from the options below.

Full sandwich with choice from BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato)
Turkey Avocado Wrap (turkey, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce and ranch dressing)
Veggie Wrap (Lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, avocado, tomatoes, hummus)
Chicken Cranberry Sandwich

Non-alcoholic Beverage & salad included.

*Meal is purchased online prior to lunch connect

Register online at SalinasChamber.com

08/24/2026

There’s still time to experience the Alebrijes y Nahuales small exhibition curated by JC Gonzalez of Urban Arts Collaborative at One Main Street in Salinas!

Explore a collection of original Alebrijes y Nahuales and learn more about the artistry and traditions behind these incredible works.

This week’s hours:
Tuesday: 1 PM–5 PM
Wednesday: 2 PM–5 PM
Friday: 1 PM–5 PM

Special group visits for schools and community organizations are also available Tuesday and Friday from 10 AM–12 PM. To coordinate a group visit, contact JC Gonzalez at [email protected].

The small exhibition will remain on display through September 4th. Don’t miss your chance to experience it before it closes!

08/24/2026

Salinas Valley employers gathered for an impactful session on mastering compensation and workforce retention. Led by TPO "The HR Experts," attendees unpacked rising regional labor costs, evolving workforce expectations, and practical strategies to build competitive offer packages. Attendees walked away equipped with actionable tools to attract and keep top local talent.

To stay up to date, visit Salinaschamber.com

08/22/2026

Meet the artists behind Alebrijes y Nahuales: Fantastic Animals from Mexico!

María Jiménez is an accomplished artisan from Oaxaca known for bringing wooden alebrijes to life through intricate acrylic painting. Inspired by nature and a family tradition of woodworking, María decorates each piece with delicate floral and butterfly motifs. Her featured piece, The Rabbit, is part of the colorful exhibition throughout the City of Salinas.

Experience Alebrijes y Nahuales throughout Salinas, on display July 31 through September 2.
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Conoce a los artistas detrás de Alebrijes y Nahuales: Animales Fantásticos de México.

María Jiménez es una destacada artesana de Oaxaca, reconocida por dar vida a los alebrijes de madera a través de detalladas pinturas acrílicas. Inspirada por la naturaleza y una tradición familiar de trabajo en madera, María decora cada pieza con delicados motivos florales y mariposas. Su obra destacada, El Conejo, forma parte de esta colorida exposición en la ciudad de Salinas.

Disfruta de Alebrijes y Nahuales en Salinas, en exhibición del 31 de julio al 2 de septiembre.

08/20/2026

Meet the artists behind Alebrijes y Nahuales: Fantastic Animals from Mexico!

Margarito Melchor comes from a pioneering family of Oaxacan wood carvers, with three generations of artists each developing their own unique style. Inspired by his family’s traditions and everyday life in his community, Margarito’s carvings depict familiar scenes, including farmers, tortilla makers, and animals found around the home. His featured piece, The Armadillo, reflects the simplicity and craftsmanship that have defined his work throughout his celebrated career.

Experience Alebrijes y Nahuales throughout Salinas, on display July 31 through September 2.
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Conoce a los artistas detrás de Alebrijes y Nahuales: Animales Fantásticos de México.

Margarito Melchor pertenece a una familia pionera del tallado en madera oaxaqueño, con tres generaciones de artistas que han desarrollado sus propios estilos. Inspirado por las tradiciones de su familia y la vida cotidiana de su comunidad, Margarito crea tallas que representan escenas familiares, incluyendo agricultores, personas que elaboran tortillas y animales que se encuentran alrededor del hogar. Su obra destacada, El Armadillo, refleja la sencillez y la maestría que han caracterizado su trabajo a lo largo de su reconocida trayectoria.

Disfruta de Alebrijes y Nahuales en Salinas, en exhibición del 31 de julio al 2 de septiembre.

08/20/2026