Author: Matthew Koller

Fields near San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

BL Special Report: What are agricultural easements, and do they preserve San Benito County’s rural character?

Mitigation measures ensure certain lands are cultivated in perpetuity.

Fields near San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

BL Special Report: Why is prime agricultural land important, and what measures are in place to keep it?

Tax incentives and environmental reviews slow the pace of development.

Photo by Noe Magaña.

Agriculture

BL Special Report: What is prime agricultural land, and who keeps track of it?

The precise definition depends on the regulatory agency, and the context in which it’s used.

JMM Dance Co. Founding Director Veronica Vasquez at the 2019 Startup Challenge Monterey Bay. Dance Minds is one program offered by the Hollister dance studio. Photo by Matt Koller.

Business / Economy

JMM Dance Co. places in Startup Challenge Monterey Bay finals

San Benito dance studio competes for second year in a row. This year's challenge took place online and saw 31 finalists compete in four divisions.

Brad Barbeau, executive director of the Institute for Innovation & Economic Development, addresses the crowd the 2019 Startup Challenge. Photo by Matt Koller.

Business / Economy

Startup Challenge Monterey Bay goes virtual

SBC nonprofit JMM Dance will compete in the Social Venture division finals.

San Benito High School. File photo.

Education / Schools

SBHS in 71st percentile of U.S. high schools

Ranking based on state test results, graduation rates and how well students are prepared for college.

Patches lead the way along county roads. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Transportation

Supplemental SB 1 road funds bypass San Benito

But Hollister, San Juan Bautista and the county will receive $2.4 million for road repairs and maintenance this year.

Participants in the 2019 Startup Weekend Monterey Bay. Photo provided by Mary Jo Zenk.

Business / Economy

Startup Weekend calls for local entrepreneurs

Three-day contest will have business coaches, 3D printers and networking opportunities for contestants from around the Central Coast.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Sports & Recreation

Hollister’s first-ever ice skating rink debuts

Open Nov. 29 through Dec. 8 on Sixth Street.

Students at San Benito High School use Google Chromebooks in most of their classes to answer class surveys and submit assignments. The Chromebooks were made possible by a $120,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, which disburses charitable funds in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. Photo credit: Ed Wong.

Business / Economy

Monterey Peninsula Foundation focuses on charitable giving in San Benito County

Organizer of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am has worked with SBC since 2003.

Photo by Heather Graham.

Agriculture

Taylor Farms acquires Earthbound Farm

The move returns food company from French multinational Danone to Central Coast roots.

Brad Barbeau, executive director of the Institute for Innovation & Economic Development, addresses the crowd the 2019 Startup Challenge. Photo by Matt Koller.

Business / Economy

Startup Challenge Monterey Bay awards $60,000 in prize money to winners

Three San Benito County businesses take part in finals, but none placed in their divisions.

Institute for Innovation and Economic Development Executive Director Brad Barbeau, Michelle Doty and Denise Mellor of That Garlic Stuff (2018 winners of Main Street division), and judge Doug Yount at the 2018 Startup Challenge Monterey Bay. File photo.

Business / Economy

Five San Benito County businesses compete in Startup Challenge Monterey Bay

Qualifying round set for April 6; finalists move on to May 10 main event.