On Sunday, Sept. 28, both sides of the fracking issue will be debated at the Aromas Community Grange during a candidates’ forum, starting at 4:30 p.m. The event will feature candidates for Monterey County Supervisors, the Monterey County Sheriff, and representatives on either side of San Benito County's proposed hydraulic fracking ban in the upcoming Measure J vote.

If approved on Nov. 4, the measure would prohibit hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, and related gas and oil extraction activities. The measure would also prohibit other "high-intensity petroleum operations," including acid well stimulation and cyclic steam injection. It would also prohibit any new gas or oil drilling activity – even conventional, low-intensity activity – in areas of the county zoned for residential or rural land use

Kristen Owenreay, a lead organizer and supporter of the Yes on J campaign, will debate against Kristina Chavez-Wyatt, president and owner of Hollister-based Farmhouse Communications and spokeswoman for the No on J campaign.

This candidates’ forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Aromas Community Grange. The grange is located at 400 Rose Ave. in Aromas.

For more information, contact Kate Woods at 831-693-4533, (cell is 408-607-6080) or Andy Hsia-Coron at 831-206-2597.