SACRAMENTO, CA " California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger surprised the crowd gathered on the Capitol?s west steps on Tuesday, March 15, dropping by to lend his thanks and encouragement to the men and women of California?s agricultural community.

He took a moment away from his day?s work inside the Capitol to enjoy the California sun and the festivities, honoring the important role of agriculture in people?s daily lives.

The California Strawberry Commission has breathed life into the fumigant methyl bromide, used on strawberries and numerous other crops such as tomatoes and almonds.

Methyl bromide has shown to be an affordable and effective weed and pathogen control soil treatment substance. The issue with respect to methyl bromide use centers on the chemical?s impact on the ozone layer.

L&M Cos. announced the opening of its newest logistics office, L&M Transportation Services Inc. located in Selah, WA.

L&M Transportation Services Inc. became fully operational March 7 with two logistics specialists in place to handle produce loads sold through L&M?s Selah office. John Drotzmann and Eddie Solis, logistics specialists, will arrange trucks and deliveries for the loads of apples, pears and cherries sold from the L&M Selah office.

Club Fresh, a fresh produce processor and specialty manufacturer, is opening a new facility shortly in the Los Angeles distribution center of its parent company, JC Produce, based in West Sacramento, CA.

The new facility will utilize production space inside JC Produce, creating an integrated production and distribution facility.

FRESNO, CA " Alex Ott, director of government relations for the California Grape & Tree Fruit League, has been named to head the California Apple Commission, here.

His selection was approved by the commission?s board of directors at a March 7 meeting, according to Kenton Kidd, who will be retiring as president of the commission on April 1. Mr. Ott?s title will be executive director.

Eric Kimes spent his formative years in Guatemala from age seven to 17 learning about melons from his father. It was an education that comes in handy today.

Eric?s father, Michael Kimes, "has been a grower of melons for 20 years in Latin America," with much experience selling fruit into the export market, Mr. Kimes said.

Together, father and son launched Continental Produce in February 2004, with a lone office in Carmel, CA. Mr. Kimes? sister, Michele, also works for the company as sales coordinator.