Pinnacles National Park, Hollister Nature Preservation, San Benito Resource Conservation District | BenitoLink, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, San Benito County, California

State Assemblyman Robert Rivas. Photo provided by the office of Robert Rivas.

Agriculture

Assemblymembers Robert Rivas and Rudy Salas introduce legislation to maximize benefits of Sustainable Groundwater Management requirements

Published 01/15/2021
BenitoLink Staff

If approved, AB 252 would create a pilot program to support repurposing formerly irrigated agricultural land for less water-intensive uses.

Before1907 owner Teré Aceves with some of her eco-friendly products. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

Environment / Nature

Before1907 offers eco-friendly solutions and refill options

Published 12/12/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Carmel de Bertaut

Local business sells environmentally friendly personal hygiene and home cleaning products out of a pop-up store in Hollister.

Herman Garcia pulling illegal traps out of the Pajaro River. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Environment / Nature

Herman Garcia pushes for watershed restoration through two controversial projects

Published 10/28/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

CHEER's efforts have cleared out tons of trash and enabled steelhead trout to return to the San Benito River after 75 years.

Former Hollister city manager Bill Avera shows a map of the earthquake zone that runs down San Benito Street. Photo by John Chadwell.

San Benito Lifestyle

Is Hollister ready for the next big one?

Published 10/14/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

With the 31st anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake on Oct. 17, former city manager Bill Avera takes BenitoLink on a downtown walking tour to discuss retrofitting.

Photo taken by Emilia Gonzalez from Panoche Elementary School.

Art & Culture

Rural students learn photography amid COVID-19 shutdown

Published 07/15/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Kaitlyn Fontaine

Kirti Bassendine works with Jefferson and Panoche elementary schools on composition and framing.

Environment / Nature

Smart water leak detector available for home use

Published 07/02/2020
Community Contributor, Shawn Novack

Shawn Novack writes that options include devices that can be connected via Wi-Fi to alert of leaks or other issues.

The first documented sighting of the Yellow-throated Warbler in San Benito County was May 16. Photo courtesy and copyright of Carole Rose.

Environment / Nature

Birds far from home grace San Benito County skies

Published 06/14/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Becky Bonner

Three species seldom or never before seen visit the region in recent weeks.

Shelby O'Neil appeared on the May 11 episode of 'Sesame Street.' Photo courtesy of Shelby O'Neil.

Environment / Nature

Local environmental activist appears on ‘Sesame Street’

Published 06/12/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Carmel de Bertaut

No Straw November founder Shelby O’Neil brings her message to national TV.

Sallie Calhoun (right) talks soils with a Paicines Ranch workshop guest. Photo by Alicia C Arcidiacono.

Features

Q & A: Sallie Calhoun on her No Regrets Initiative

Published 04/26/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Leslie David

With opportunity comes responsibility. In this interview, Paicines Ranch owner Sallie Calhoun talks about a 10-year commitment that she just "couldn't not do."

Students install a protection cage around a newly planted oak. Photo by Nancy Wilcox.

Environment / Nature

Students plant oaks at Pacheco Creek Reserve

Published 04/24/2020
Community Contributor, Jennifer Benson

Local kids learn about and restore oak woodland next to Highway 152.

Environment / Nature

Q & A: Rene Rodriguez brings nature into view

Published 04/24/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Carmel de Bertaut

Local photographer talks about San Benito County life and landscapes.

Chalk art by Heidi Jumper. Photo courtesy of San Benito County Integrated Waste Mangemant.

Environment / Nature

San Benito County takes Earth Day Art Fest online

Published 04/22/2020
BenitoLink Staff

Residents invited to share photos of their artwork online via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #SanBenitoEarthArt in the post. Entries will be shared and reposted by event sponsors.