Author: Robert Eliason

San Juan Bautista Waste Treatment Plant. Image from Draft Report.

Environment / Nature

BL Special Report: Solving San Juan Bautista’s water problems

City consultant comes up with solutions to address hard water, aging wastewater treatment plant and other problems.

Farmworkers in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

Gov. Newsom signs executive order aimed at helping agricultural workers

Assistance includes targeting high-risk workplaces, stronger guidance on compliance and temporary housing for self-isolation.

Angela Curro, retiring Assistant Clerk-Recorder-Registrar for San Benito County. Photo courtesy of Angela Curro.

Government / Politics

Secure voting in the time of COVID-19

Retiring county election official Angela Curro says 85% of local voters mailed in their ballots last cycle.

The Sakaguchi family at Inaka. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business / Economy

San Juan’s Third Street makeover keeps restaurants from fully closing

Owners speak about outdoor dining on the main thoroughfare.

Andres Gutierrez with the Ladies of San Juan. Photo courtesy of Lupe Valdez.

Art & Culture

El Teatro Campesino remembers performer Andres Gutierrez

A San Juan Bautista fixture finds peace after struggling with PTSD and COVID-19.

San Juan Wastewater Treatment Plant Pond 1. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Environment / Nature

BL Special Report: San Juan’s wastewater treatment plant adds to city’s water woes

2019 EPA inspection identified 11 areas of concern and described the facility as ‘aging’ and in ‘significant noncompliance.’

Farmworkers in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Government / Politics

How California’s budget crisis is affecting farmworker legislation

Assemblymember Robert Rivas says because of COVID-19, ‘we have no clear idea of what the state’s income will be over the year.’

The proposed entrance for the Strada Verde Innovation Park at Betabel/Y Road. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Housing / Land Use

Strada Verde Innovation Park Voter Initiative details potential jobs, tax revenue for San Benito County

A look at plans and ways that the autonomous vehicle testing facility could impact the region.

The pellet plant. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Environment / Nature

BL Special Report: Why San Juan Bautista’s ‘million-dollar’ water fix was never implemented

The ill-fated ‘pellet plant’ was supposed to provide the city with abundant soft water.

COVID-19 testing site set up inside the Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Health

COVID-19 testing continues at Vets Building despite supply shortage

OptumServe site in Salinas helps out with extra kits.

City Well #1. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Environment / Nature

BL Special Report: San Juan Bautista’s water problems reaching critical mass

City facing substantial fine for its continued inability to process large amounts of pollutants discharged into the Pajaro River, which then enter waterways that empty into Monterey Bay.

Sonne and Laynee Reyna. Photo by Robert Eliason.

San Benito Lifestyle

SJB library receives Native American book collection

Laynee Reyna donates over 300 books and 70 field recordings for public use.

City Well #2. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Government / Politics

San Juan City Council receives 80-page water report

Councilman Cesar Flores says the city is facing $800,000 in penalties.

Evening Ride from Off the Chain. Photo by Jacob Funk.

Business / Economy

Bikes riding off the racks at local stores

Off the Chain and Big 5 Sporting Goods report supply can’t keep up with demand.

Strada Verde Illustrative Site Plan. Image from the Initiative.

Business / Economy

Strada Verde project files petition signatures

San Benito County Office of Elections is now verifying signers.

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