In addition to Krystal, we also had a local young man named Kalvan work here at the farm in August and September. And like Krystal, he came to us also through the Monterey County Youth Employment Program – a well-needed program which trains young people and helps place them in jobs around the county. My job was not only to provide work for these young people to do, but to train them in general workplace conduct such as being on time, proper attire and conduct, etc.
Kalvan did so much work to improve our little farm while he was here! He weeded and mulched around our fruit trees and berry bushes, started a new large compost pile, cared for the chickens and worms, did some pruning, tried to catch gophers, hauled straw, and created three entirely new beds by digging out lots of kikuyu grass and planting cover crop.
The funding for the program – which I understand came from federal stimulus funds – came to an end sadly. We are hoping they will find more funding in the spring. Not only has Kalvan been a great asset to the farm, small businesses – especially small farm businesses like ours – sometimes need just this kind of extra help just to get off the ground!