Local farmers deal with the heatwave

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- With temperatures heating up along the Central Coast, local farmers are feeling the impact and getting an earlier start to their day.

KION's Nataly Gutierrez spoke with one farmer who talked about what it's like working in the fields during these conditions.

"When it's hot outside, we hydrate ourselves with water, and if we feel fatigued, we rest," said Enrique Santoyo.

Santoyo says that he wakes up at 6 a.m. to avoid working during the hottest hours of the day.

The state of California is also taking steps to help support and protect farmworkers.

Last week, Governor Newsom vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for workers in the field to get workers' compensation if they claimed that they suffer heat illness while on the job.