Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in roads
Highway 25 Widening and AB 2059 VMT Exemption
Speed feedback signs went up in 2024 but Caltrans won't add more traffic calming. Residents worry about pedestrians, parking, and growing mining truck traffic through the small town.
Public Works Road Project Engineering Contracts
Staff raised a real decision point: redirect about $1.9 million from previously approved road projects to match a Safe Streets for All grant that could unlock roughly $9.5 million in road and safety improvements. The Board was also to pick which FY 2026-27 road projects get funded from about $3.15 million in SB 1 money.
Road projects prioritized for safety; rural roads concern remains
Staff raised a real decision point: redirect about $1.9 million from previously approved road projects to match a Safe Streets for All grant that could unlock roughly $9.5 million in road and safety improvements. The Board was also to pick which FY 2026-27 road projects get funded from about $3.15 million in SB 1 money.
Creek and drainage clearing for flood prevention
Public Works is clearing culverts and culvert-prone roads countywide, and with the emergency declaration property owners can now clear creek debris without a permit — just report the work to Fish and Wildlife within 14 days. Supervisors flagged Coalinga Road, Panoche, New Idria, San Juan Canyon and Cienega Road as priority risk areas.
Fairview Road median island maintenance
The developer's landscape median was accidentally left out of the subdivision's CFD, leaving maintenance to the county. Supervisors deadlocked 2-2 twice over cobblestone-only versus drought-tolerant planting and who pays, and the item returns June 30.
Roads Funding Under Measure G and SB 1
Staff raised a real decision point: redirect about $1.9 million from previously approved road projects to match a Safe Streets for All grant that could unlock roughly $9.5 million in road and safety improvements. The Board was also to pick which FY 2026-27 road projects get funded from about $3.15 million in SB 1 money.
Riverside Road condition and traffic from new subdivision
Three new homes plus ADUs on Riverside Road mean roughly 28 more vehicle trips a day on a road commissioners called beat-up. The applicants agreed to improve the full width of road along their frontage, addressing a key commission concern.