River advocates REACH for a parkway

Following our instincts to wander into the San Benito River environment, a R.E.A.C.H. (Recreation, Exercise, Community Health) San Benito Foundation contingent including Dave Pollard, Jim Ostdick, Robin Pollard, Don Pidd, and me, walked into the river bed with the permission of Jim West, Granite Rock properties, who is an advisor to R.E.A.C.H. 

We took a well-established trail behind the San Benito High School and walked altogether a couple of miles. There was evidence of horse trails, bike tracks and a wide range of walking paths, and they all seemed to have been respectful of the terrain and environment.  As often cited in reasoning for opening pathways to the public, the well-used areas had less litter, but off the banks dumping was evident.  We bagged up small items and hauled the litter back with us.

The area we walked was within what will be the first “Reach,” or section, to be developed as the River Parkway. The E.I.R. has been completed while easements are being negotiated and properties purchased toward the dream of public use.  It is evident that for many years, the riverbed has been enjoyed for recreation without the legitimate label we will soon be able to give it. One would think that the public owns the riverbed, just as legislation has given us public access on the coastal beaches. This, however, is not the case. 

Property owners on each side of the river own up to the center of the river, but who goes in to maintain the banks or erosion in times of flood?  R.E.A.C.H. does not advocate illegal entry into private properties within the river, but hopefully segments will be negotiated, donated or purchased for public use that could link our high schools. I can imagine hearing, “Cross country record set today through the River Parkway between Anzar High School and San Benito High School track teams” linking our communities.

As the Parkway bicycle paths and walking trails develop, linking the parks and winding through our hills, past wineries and through towns, this area will become a magnet for healthy lifestyle tourism.  Tourists fill hotel rooms and restaurants, patronize merchants, and then go home, leaving all these assets for us to enjoy. 

Supporting this concept, at the Oct. 2 San Benito County Planning Commission meeting, Planner Brent Barnes presented Resolution No. 2015-07, recommending that the Board of Supervisors adopt the General Plan Complete Streets Policy, countywide in unincorporated areas.  The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that it be on the Board of Supervisors’s agenda for consideration and approval on Nov. 3.  R.E.A.C.H. was there to speak in support of this positive, forward thinking benefit to the people of San Benito County, and it passed, bringing a sigh of relief to all those who believe in public access and a breath of fresh air. 

For more information on the R.E.A.C.H. Foundation, visit its website.