initiative

Supervisors agreed to wait until an economic impact study is done before voting on whether to put it on the Nov. 8 ballot. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

San Benito County supervisors delay decision on growth initiative

The board opts to wait for an economic study of the initiative before deciding at the next meeting whether to place it on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Trical facility behind the trees along Highway 25. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Government / Politics

Backers of TriCal buffer zone submit signed petitions

San Benito County Elections Office has 30 days to verify signatures.

A map is shown from the General Plan laying out the 16 nodes that are intended for commercial development. Photo provided.

Government / Politics

Elections Office unofficially verifies signatures for growth Initiative

The Board of Supervisors will consider June 14 whether to adopt the initiative or place it on the ballot of the November election.

A car passes by the Trical facility on May 27, 2022. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Government / Politics

Ballot initiative effort aims to put buffer zone around chemical warehouse

Voter passage of Trical buffer could block approval of Strada Verde development.

Board of Supervisors May 24, 2022. Image from Youtube.

Government / Politics

Majority of SBC Supervisors say proposed ballot initiative will stall revenue

Some of them argue that stopping commercial development will harm the county for decades.

Bob Tiffany. Photo provided.

Government / Politics

Bob Tiffany calls for more commercial revenue and opposes slow-growth initiative

The District 4 supervisor says understanding basic financial issues will help residents make good decisions about San Benito County’s financial future.

Government / Politics

Slow growth or no growth would be up to voters under proposed initiative

A citizens’ group returns with a new name but the same mission: to change the county’s General Plan by eliminating most commercial nodes and putting voters in charge of approving developments.

Community members are invited to share their opinions on BenitoLink. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Opinion

COMMUNITY OPINION: Who’s the bully now?

Anne Stickett writes about the proposed initiative and says proponents are using trigger words to get signatures.

Due to COVID restrictions, San Benito County Assistant Clerk Francisco Diaz explained to proponents Margaret Rebecchi (left) and Jim Leap (right) that only four proponents could enter the elections office to submit the initiative. Other volunteers remained outside the office with their signs. Photo by Jenny Mendolla Arbizu.

Housing / Land Use

Protect San Benito coalition submits initiative to control county growth

Petition signature drive will get underway soon.

A group of No on Measure K gather to give announce the submittal of an initiative to amend the General Plan to remove commercial nodes. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Government / Politics

PORC submits new initiative for November election

It would rescind numerous commercial node designations and require voter approval of zoning changes affecting ag or rural properties. Supervisor Anthony Botelho says the potential referendum would ‘hijack’ San Benito County’s General Plan.

Mary and Andy Hsia-Coron turn in more than 4,000 signatures to election officials.

Agriculture

“Protect Our Water” Initiative Qualifies for November Ballot

San Benito Rising group hands in three times the amount of signatures needed.

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