Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in public safety with high priority
Emergency services leadership and disaster council
An outside review found 17 gaps in the county's emergency readiness — thin OES staffing, missing or outdated plans, and weak documentation of training — just as an El Niño winter approaches. The Board wants a director-level position consolidating OES, EMS, fire and 911 oversight, and asked for salary and funding options.
Election integrity and election-night results
Days before Election Day, the board retroactively cleaned up two years of voting-system contract paperwork and approved the vendor's name change to Liberty Vote USA. The CEO publicly criticized the Clerk-Recorder for going around her office.
DA and Probation building roof repair
The roof over the District Attorney and Probation offices is deteriorated enough that officials fear a collapse in heavy winter storms. The Board approved a ~$120,000 repair project (with contingency allowances) and agreed to pay for it out of the $500,000 emergency-preparedness fund.
Overhaul of county public defender system with $1.7M state grant
A resident cited the county's own evaluation showing the defense system handled 1,100+ cases a year with as few as one or two attorneys. The state has set aside $1.7 million for an institutional public defender's office, and the speaker asked that funds stay dedicated to defense.
Recall petition against Supervisor Kosmicki underway
The June 2 recall of Supervisor Ignacio Velazquez passed by 33 votes and is now officially certified. Voters in District 5 will pick a replacement on November 3, 2026.