Citrus growers in California's San Joaquin Valley spent the nights of Dec. 7-8 taking intensive measures to protect their crops from freezing temperatures and managed to avert serious damage, according to press advisories issued Dec. 9 by California Citrus Mutual in Exeter, CA.

Al Gotelli, a third-generation cherry grower and co-founder and president emeritus of O-G Packing Co. in Stockton, CA, died in his Stockton home Nov. 25 following a long illness. He was 80.

Regarded by his peers as an industry innovator and leader, Mr. Gotelli helped establish the California Cherry Advisory Board and is also credited with helping to develop and market the industry's first mechanical cluster cutter and cherry sizer.

Cimino Brokerage Co., a firm based in Salinas, CA, that mostly sells broccoli, green onions and other vegetables grown in Mexico, filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Jose, CA, in late November.

OXNARD, CA -- The world's largest fresh-cut onion processing plant is the topic of a "How It's Made" segment appearing 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, on Discovery's Science Channel (check local listings to confirm the time). The "How It's Made" series presents behind-the-scenes views of interesting and unusual manufacturing processes from around the world.

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced Dec. 9 that the Florida citrus industry has overwhelmingly voted to continue funding a self-imposed tax to conduct important research for another six years.

Consensus was reached through a statewide referendum that concluded Dec. 9.

PORTLAND, OR -- Kevin Moffitt, president and chief executive officer of the Pear Bureau Northwest, has been named chairman of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council.