Environment / Nature

Novel Coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control.

Health

March 24 coronavirus roundup for San Benito County

There are now seven total confirmed cases in the county, four of which are active; Small Business Association now accepting applications for loans for disaster and economic injury; library continues to issue cards to provide access to online resources.

Copper bullets are designed to mushroom, unlike lead bullets, which are designed to fragment into small pieces. Photo by Conservation Media and provided by Devii Rao.

Government / Politics

AB 711 and Prop 63 create new ammunition laws

AB 711 is a statewide bill that requires use of non-lead ammunition for hunting and depredation of wildlife, whereas Prop 63 requires background checks to buy ammunition of any kind in California.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Health

San Benito County Water District issues safety statement

Groundwater sources (wells) would not be sources for COVID-19.

Shawn Novack (Water Resources Association of San Benito County), Celina Stotler (County Integrated Waste Management Division), and Lisa Jensema (Recology) pose with San Benito County’s 2020 Top Program Performer award. The county’s Green Business Program is made possible thanks to coordination by Integrated Waste Management and local partners like Recology, Water Resources Association of San Benito County, and more. Photo provided.

Environment / Nature

SBC Green Business Program receives award

Honored for being one of five top performing green business programs in California.

Photo courtesy of San Benito County Water District.

Government / Politics

Water Resources Association of San Benito County updates Groundwater Sustainability Plan

Public workshop planed for March 24 in Hollister.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Police / Fire

Prescribed burn planned at Fort Hunter Liggett

Smoke may be visible in San Benito County.

Marcus Edwards, general manager of Jardines, said changing to paper straws was a no brainer. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Environment / Nature

San Juan Bautista moves to ban single-use plastics

Businesses have until May 15 to comply.

Rocks Ranch. Photos by Robert Eliason.

Environment / Nature

Wildlife corridor under Highway 101 enters planning stage

Crossing at Rocks Ranch would connect the Santa Cruz and Gabilan mountains.

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Police / Fire

Prescribed burns planned in Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Though the burns will take place in Santa Cruz County, smoke may be visible in San Benito County.

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Tetra Tech environmental scientist Maria Hassett Patrick collects water samples for testing. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Environment / Nature

Community Water Center tests water quality of private wells

Free program checks for nitrates, arsenic and other contaminants.

Hollister Water Reclamation Facility Staff: Luis Vasquez, AJ Castaneda, safety coordinator Jeri Cramer and Adan Cervantes. Photo courtesy of Andy Hoglund.

Environment / Nature

Hollister wastewater plant receives safety award

Award part of the California Water Environment Association's annual effort to recognize public water and wastewater facilities for outstanding performance, with a special emphasis on safety.

Two protestors walk toward the Highway 101 overpass during a July demonstration against the rezoning of four commercial nodes. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Housing / Land Use

Primary Election 2020: Measure K

FAQ about the controversial ballot measure on commercial zoning and development along Highway 101.

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Congressman Jimmy Panetta. File Photo.

Government / Politics

Panetta amendment included in house-passed Protecting America’s Wilderness Act

"My amendment helps ensure that our federal land managers have the flexibility that they need to take any necessary actions to preemptively address fire, insects, and diseases in wilderness areas," Panetta said.

Image from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Housing / Land Use

Land Trust of Santa Cruz acquires most of Rocks Ranch

Over 2,600 acres to be protected; development is still planned on 60 acres near Highway 101.

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Environment / Nature

Freeze warning in San Benito County

Subfreezing temperatures are expected in areas of the county both Monday and Tuesday night, with overnight lows forecast in the mid-20s.

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