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As 2026 marches along, we want to continue reporting on key issues that impact the community such as the landfill reaching capacity, the continued efforts to turn around the hospital’s financial standing, and the status of necessary transportation projects, among many others.
Your contributions ensure we can continue producing the stories you have come to expect and value.
Twice a year, BenitoLink holds crucial fundraising campaigns. Crucial to the news operation and crucial to our readers. During this short spring/summer fundraiser, which runs through July 5, we ask you to consider the role our news and information plays in keeping the residents of San Benito County informed.
Last spring, we asked for your support to increase our agricultural and rural reporting, and because you came through, we have done just that. Our team has recently covered the Mutton firefighters, the Caltrans update on the Highway 101 wildlife crossing and the history of Rancho Quien Sabe with many more uplifting stories to come. Thank you to San Benito County Farm Bureau and all our readers who are helping fund this important topic.
This year, we are asking you to contribute to a general assignment reporter who will keep the spotlight on San Benito County government.
Our California Local News Fellow reporter, Juan Pablo Pérez-Burgos, just completed his two year fellowship. A new fellowship opportunity will have him reporting on the AI industry at the San Francisco Standard.
As Juan Pablo said before he left, “To keep a community alive, you have to keep it informed.”
That is what we intend to do and that is why we are leaning on you.
Our goal this campaign is to raise $30,000, which will help cover the cost of a reporter. Local supporters who care about consistent county coverage have offered to match your donations up to $10,000.
We have so much to be excited about as we head into the summer with several new interns- both in reporting and marketing. We are developing new journalists, giving young adults work experience and getting them out on the street.
Back the beat and help fund a reporter who is dedicated, builds relationships and helps explain the ins and outs of San Benito government.