Lompoc Valley is known to have the most temperate climate in the state of California. That is the reason agriculture is such a viable industry here. It does appear that it will remain so.
Strawberries, although grown for many years in Santa Maria and Oxnard are the newest crop to be grown. Just this growing season
the soil was prepared, the machines created the raised rows, the plastic was laid down. Later the machine was brought in to slot the plastic in the proper location for the tiny plants. The planting was all done by hand. It was fascinating to see the preparation and then those small plants grow so fast. In just a few months all this work was done and huge sweet strawberries are being shipped to market daily. Yes, you can buy them at a roadside stand adjacent to the fields.
The Lompoc Valley is one of the most popular places for large seed companies to grow flowers for seed. Although some production
has been reduced there is still a large array of beautiful blooms in June, July and August.
There are farmers who grow artichokes as a specialty. Walnuts are grown here. Probably every row crop is grown such as head
lettuce, leaf lettuce, celery, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, asparagus, squash and many more. Every year broccoli has been among the top crops in the county. Wine grapes are very popular for the varieties that like a mild climate. Wine grapes are now among the top producers as well. There are many fine tasting rooms to sample the product.
At one time even mustard plants were grown commercially in the valley. Lompoc became known as the mustard seed capitol of the
world. Perhaps that is the reason there is so much wild mustard on the hills. The yellow blooms are very beautiful in April and May. Mustard seems to have spread throughout the entire state. At one time there were fine cherry orchards, fine apricot orchards, World’s Fair, gold medal, winning apples were grown here in the past.
Another product that was huge in the area was sugar beets. At harvest time you could see a long train of railroad cars on the way to the main line to be shipped for processing.
Our Lompoc Answerman, Don Pond is a long time resident of Lompoc. He used to build houses, is now retired, and likes to build websites.
"The satisfaction is much the same. You start with a bare piece of ground or paper, layout and build, make changes as you go. With a house you remodel 'till you sell, and then let someone else do the remodeling."
So far Don says he has not been able to dispose of any websites. When Don thinks a website is completely finished, just like a house, he gets called upon to go back and "remodel." He thinks that building websites is much like being married, "a life's commitment, with no chance of a divorce or separation."
You can see some of Don's handywork at the following sites:
USS Bangust
-- A first-class site is a must-see for Bangust sailors, descendants and friends, as well as history buffs. Contains first-person stories, photos, remembrances and touching songs.
North County Rentals -- Provides information, educational materials, rental forms and member support, all pertaining to the operation of rental housing.
GT Auto Sales -- A unique, fairly-priced selection of previously owned vehicles for sale.
Wiser Property Management and Sales-- Properties for rent and sale, plus property management service.
