How Alumnus Rudy Jimenez Built a Farm and Purpose

When old redwood trees surround Rudy Jimenez (’07, Silver Star), he slips into a meditative state.   “They create a reserve around them to sustain themselves and help other trees,” he […]

Taste of Markon: The First Decade

In the Salinas Valley, the light hits differently. Maybe it’s the way it glances off rows of strawberries and artichokes or the way it settles into the dusty horizon at […]

25 years of transforming lives in Monterey County

Nestled in the foothills of the Gabilan Mountains, in the heart of the Salinas Valley, is a 100-acre ranch and restored piece of history—it’s called Rancho Cielo. For 25 years, […]

A Sunday brunch worth remembering

You don’t expect to see a herd of elk right before brunch. You expect mimosa-sipping influencers and eggs that might as well have been cooked last week. But this is […]

Soledad inmates raise funds for Rancho Cielo

On April 19, 2025, the Alternatives to Violence (AVP) Inmate Activity Group at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad raised nearly $17,000 to support Rancho Cielo. The AVP group […]

High Five Rancho Cielo

We are proud to announce that Rancho Cielo has been honored with the High Five Community Excellence Award. This recognition celebrates the remarkable efforts of individuals and organizations that work […]

How neuroscience is transforming literacy at Rancho Cielo

Pictured from left to right: Jodi Amaditz, Executive Director, Chartwell Teaching Institute; Marilu Gorno Tempini, MD, PhD, UCSF Memory and Aging Center; Andrea Hartsough, Associate Director, CA Institute, UCSF and […]