Salinas [key], city (1990 pop. 108,777), seat of Monterey co., W Calif.; inc. 1874. It is the shipping and processing center of a fertile valley famous for its grain and lettuce. Fruits, vegetables, cattle, and nursery and dairy products are also produced. Spices, candy, wines, jams, jellies, and soft drinks are made, and fruits and vegetables are canned. Wire and paper products, fertiizers, power transformers, industrial trucks, and printed circuit boards are manufactured in Salinas. The population of the city grew tremendously in late 20th cent. as the area became an outlying suburb of Silicon Valley. The Alisal area (formerly called East Salinas), which was annexed by Salinas in 1964, was settled (1933) principally by migratory farm workers. The city is the scene of an annual rodeo. John Steinbeck was born and buried in Salinas. His home and the Steinbeck Center are tourist attractions.
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