On many a summer afternoon, wind whips southeast down the Salinas Valley, driven by the pressure differential of cooler air at the coast and hot, rising air in South County.
A handful of wind turbines have sprung up along the valley in recent years to harness that wind energy, and the newest is being installed this week in Gonzales, the city's second.
Like the city's first turbine, which was constructed in 2014, the new turbine will be located in a city-owned agricultural industrial business park. It will also be tagged with "Go Spartans" in a nod to Gonzales High School.
Whereas the first turbine sends power to Taylor Farms, providing half of its electricity needs, this one will be send power to the new Del Monte Fresh/Mann Packing facility.
"We are about sustainability, using the environment better, and saving energy. The turbines provide a sustainable power source consistent with the City Council's Climate Action Plan," City Manager René Mendez said in a statement.
In 2009, the city launched its "Gonzales Grows Green" community sustainability initiative, which seeks partnerships with businesses to advance sustainable practices, and the establishment of programs and projects that advance conservation and education, economic development and social equity.
In 2014, Gonzales became the first city in Monterey County with a certified climate action plan.
“We have figured out a way to stimulate economic development while being good stewards to our environment, which is ultimately a very sustainable strategy,” Mendez said in a statement.