Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues with medium priority
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.
Tres Pinos Water Project Pass-Through Funding
The county passed through $549,101 in state money to Sunnyslope Water District after a supervisor questioned the thin invoice documentation.
SB 255 Recorder Notification Program and $5 Fee
Starting February 25, 2027, recorded deeds and mortgages trigger a mailed fraud alert to property owners, funded by a new $5 per-document fee.
Allium Solar and Storage project permitting delay
Longroad Energy says its Allium project application, deemed complete in August 2025, has gone 14 months without progress due in part to the BESS moratorium. The developer asked the county to allow the CEQA process to continue while approvals stay frozen — but the commission couldn't act because the topic wasn't on the agenda.
New budget and emergency management leadership positions
The county has struggled for a year to fill its top budget job, so it's boosting pay ~25% and retitling the position to chief budget officer. It's also adding a deputy director of emergency services to better prep for storms, fires, and earthquakes — and to recover overdue disaster reimbursements.