BenitoLink honors local residents, organizations for community contributions

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Moving from discussion to action following BenitoLink’s 2023-24 listening sessions, three organizations were recognized April 25 for their efforts made in bettering San Benito County in the arts, tourism, and farming and ranching sectors. 

The Press-Tigious Awards Night hosted at Leal Vineyards and Winery in Hollister also recognized seven people and grassroots organizations for their can-do spirit and contributions in the community.

The event also included a dinner, silent and live auctions, music and line dancing lessons. BenitoLink raised about $40,000 that evening, including $12,000 for its internship program.

Charlie Parker with honoree Pinnacle Arts Association said BenitoLink’s listening session brought artists, teachers and business owners together to talk about how to make the community better. 

Since then, Parker said the organization became a nonprofit and kicked off its fundraising campaign, held its own listening sessions and hired a team to conduct a feasibility study for a performing arts center. 

“A community is a lot like a band, you can have talented players, but without a stage, nobody gets to hear the music,” he said. “What we’re building is a stage. And what BenitoLink gave us with those listening sessions was the sheet music.”

In presenting the award to San Benito County Young Farmers and Ranchers, BenitoLink board member Dave Wright said it was important to educate young people about the importance of agriculture and the changes the industry experiences every day.

“Kids go through Future Farmers of America, go to Cal Poly and get a degree in ag,” he said. “And there’s still more to learn. And that’s what the Young Farmers and Ranchers have stepped up to do: to keep people informed.”

Wright said risks in agriculture are akin to a trip to Las Vegas because “you’re just hoping and hoping every year that you get a good crop.”

“These folks are willing to take that risk,” Wright said, “to live the lifestyle that we all enjoyed so many years in this county.”

Sarah Nino, chair of the San Benito County Young Farmers and Ranchers, said the group was made up of people who are hardworking, passionate and dedicated to the community.

She took the opportunity to announce this is the first year the organization will be providing a scholarship to a high school senior who plans to pursue a career in agriculture. 

“We’re excited to continue growing, learning and giving back,” she said. 

Irene Davis with Visit San Benito, another of the organizations that were recognized, seeks to increase tourism in the community, and announced the inaugural Condor Gravel Challenge. 

According to the group’s website, the race includes Paicines Ranch, Hollister Hills and Eden Rift Vineyards, and proceeds will help fund condor conservation and habitat restoration efforts.

Davis likened the challenge to the annual Sea Otter Classic in Monterey and said she hoped the Condor Gravel Challenge can one day also attract thousands of visitors. 

Among the newsworthy honorees in the business category were Jason Noble and Mike and Tracy Nino. Noble said he didn’t do anything except attend a meeting with a small group of people with interim City Manager Jim Pia to voice their concerns about the permitting process in Hollister. 

He also credited BenitoLink reporter Robert Eliason for his series of articles on the issue. 

“If it hadn’t been for the interviews and the subsequent articles that then ran after, I don’t think we would have gotten the traction or the successful results that we hoped for,” he said.

He also thanked new City Manager Ana Cortez for the changes she has put in place to address the group’s concerns. 

Honorees

Civic engagement: Hollister High School Counselor Heather Nichols

Health: Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary (President John Williams)

Youth & Education: Migrant Education Specialist Julio Salazar

Arts & Culture: El Teatro Campesino (Cristal Gonzalez-Avila, Luis Valdez and Christy Sandoval)

Land Use: Raymond Martinez (The San Benito Blueprint)

Business: Jason Noble, Mike and Tracy Nino

Local Media Volunteer: David Baumgartner

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