Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in environment
Wildfire preparedness and Firewise communities
After months of scrutiny, the solar farm showed progress on weed abatement, fire safety training, and CDFW permit amendments — enough for the commission to find it in compliance, with the warning that any future fires will trigger another look.
Agricultural pest emergency extended for pepper and tomato crops
The Board ratified a local emergency over beet leafhoppers, thrips and pepper weevils threatening the county's $15M tomato and $16.5M pepper crops, unlocking emergency pesticide use and possible state disaster aid.
Transfer station and landfill future
Landfill rates rise 2.83% under the operating agreement's formula, and the Board formed an ad hoc committee to untangle the region's confusing waste-management joint powers agreement, with ten years of landfill capacity left.
Mosquito abatement assessment continuation
The board approved continuing the mosquito and disease control assessment for northwest county properties at $15.78 per single-family equivalent, within the CPI-capped maximum, with a notice-of-hearing process.
Panoche Valley Solar compliance review continued
The periodic review of the solar farm's development agreement was pushed to the next meeting while the operator resolves vegetation-management rules with state wildlife agencies and completes a fire-prevention report.