San Benito The Guide 2018

THE GUIDE 2018 SAN BENITO COUNTY VISITOR & BUSINESS GUIDE

HOLLISTER • SAN JUAN BAUTISTA • TRES PINOS • PAICINES • AROMAS

The BESTof San Benito BUSINESS SHOP LOCAL EXPLORE RELOCATION

u

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THE PERFECT LANDING SPOT

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES GUIDE

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK & FREMONT PEAK u

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CONTENTS 2 0 1 8 S A N B E N I T O C O U N T Y V I S I T O R & B U S I N E S S G U I D E I s a n b e n i t o c o u n t y c h a m b e r. c o m

FEATURES 8 BUSINESS GROWTH ACROSS THE BOARD

DEPARTMENTS

San Benito County is a true slice of California living, and the growing community tucked between the Bay Area and Monterey Bay has its economy on a gradual rise.

42 THE GREAT OUTDOORS San Benito County offers excellent hiking options and beautiful parks; explore our map of the trails.

4 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

14 COUNTY OVERVIEW

46 PAIRING WINE WITH WEDDINGS

22 STATISTICS

PERFECT LANDING SPOT

When it comes to doing business, San Benito County is a perfect landing spot.

The Hollister Municipal Airport is among many reasons enterprises of all sizes should consider doing business here.

24 TOURISM HISTORY ON THE DOORSTEP

As one of the oldest cities in California, San Juan Bautista is brimming with rich history and small-town charm.

Sometimes change is a good thing.

That was the case in 2017 for the San Benito County wine industry, with two major producers acquired by larger wineries that are committed to continued improvements.

50 RELOCATION IDEAL LIVING CONDITIONS

2 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

44 ART WALK AND MAP 56 ABOUT THE CHAMBER 60 AMBASSADORS 62 CONTACTS AND SERVICES 63 OUR GOVERNMENT 64 BUSINESS DIRECTORY 76 ADVERTISER INDEX

FULL BASKET OF SHOPPING & DINNING

San Benito County was already an up-and-coming hotspot for recreation—whether visitors plan to take in wineries, fine restaurants or wedding spots—but several new establishments have upped the area’s game even further in recent years.

23 AREA MAP

61 OFFICIAL GEMSTONE

San Benito County is on a roll economically and culturally, making it an ideal place to relocate a business and family.

30 SHOP, DINE, STAY & PLAY

6 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

243 6th Street Ste. 100 Hollister, CA 95023 www.DiscoverSanBenitoCounty.com

This entire publication and its contents are ©2018 San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is prohibited.

Information in The Guide is gathered from various sources and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for omissions, errors or misinformation. Please contact the Chamber at the address shown here with any additions or corrections.

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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

243 6th Street Ste. 100 Hollister, CA 95023 www.SanBenitoCountyChamber.com www.DiscoverSanBenitoCounty.com STAFF Juli Vieira Chief Executive Officer Nancy Casillas Administrative Assistant Janis McDonald Member Services Coordinator

I

am amazed at what I see as I drive around our county. I see new businesses dotting the landscape, beautiful homes being built and many visitor attractions, including the newest national park, Pinnacles National Park.

Our Hollister and San Juan Bautista city parks are being updated and improved.

San Benito County is enjoying a time of growth and renewed prosperity. Commerce is getting stronger and provides a positive climate for existing and new business to grow. Our business climate is the fabric of our county and the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering that support.

As businesses, city services and our population continue to grow, so must our chamber continue to keep pace with that growth. Careful guidance and direction is paramount in promoting a positive business climate, and I encourage all members to share your comments and to take full advantage of your membership. Get involved, become a chamber board member, serve on a committee or volunteer for an event.

I am honored to be a part of this community, and I look forward to what the future brings. I want to thank the current chamber board and staff who are the catalysts for making our organization great. I encourage all those who do business in the county to join us at the chamber as we unite to shape an even greater one with benefits for all who live, shop, own businesses, work and travel here.

Juli Vieira San Benito County Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO Rene Rodriguez – Born in Hollister, California, and raised in Paicines until the sixth grade, Rene watched his father take photos of all their family journeys.

He started taking photographs during high school, using a Kodak 110. He enjoyed entering The Free Lance photo contests and the San Benito County Fair. Rene has been taking photographs for over 35 years. He donates his time to non-profit organizations within his community.

SALES Trino Serrano Advertising Sales EDITORIAL & DESIGN Scott Brooks Project Director Kim Mabon, Creative By Design Graphic Design Kollin Kosmicki Chief Editorial Writer San Benito Live PHOTOGRAPHY Generously supplied by Rene Rodriguez & Lisa D. Smith BigBlendMagazine.com Sales Coaching & Project Management by

CHAMBER MARKETING PARTNERS Ed Burzminski, President & CEO (800) 428-1798 x101

CMP www.chambermarketingpartners.com 4 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

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deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This is not intended as a solicitation if you are listed with another broker.

2016 Intero Real Estate Services, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This is not intended as a solicitation if you are listed with another broker.

Intero Real Estate Services 800 San Street, Ste. C., Hollister 95023 2016 Intero Real EstateBenito Services, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and a whol ly owned subsi diary of HomeServi ces of America, Inc. Ca All rights reserved.

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This is not intended as a solicitation if you are listed with another broker.

2016 Intero Real Estate Services, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. All rights reserved. All information

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2018 EVENTS JANUARY 27th – Mission 10 Run – Hollister Rotary, San Juan Bautista

21st – 22nd – Open Studios Art Tour – San Benito County Arts Council

FEBUARY

29th – Fremont

10

th

– Annual San Juan Bautista Merchants Fashion Show, San Juan Bautista

MARCH

Peak Day, San Juan Bautista

MAY 4th – 5th –

24th- 25th – San Juan

Bautista Art & Craft Festival, San Juan Bautista

Gavilan Kennel Clubs Dog Show, Bolado Park, Tres Pinos

24th- 25th – Cactus &

5th – 6th – San Juan Bautista

20th – Annual Show and

4th – 4th of July Kiddie Parade

Succulent Society Show & Sale, San Juan Bautista

Rib Cook-Off, San Juan Bautista

Shine, San Juan Bautista

& Fireworks, Hollister

31st – Easter Parade, San Juan Bautista

5th – 6th – California Indian Market/Cultural Festival, San Juan Bautista

20th – Portuguese Festival

15th – 28th – California CGA

and Parade, Hollisterr

State Finals, Bolado Park, Tres Pinos

APRIL

5th – Hollister Downtown Wine

JUNE

21st – Hollister Downtown

12th – Business Expo &

13th – Aromas Country Garden

Contest

19th – Royal Bingo Bling &

16 – San Benito County Memorial Roping

Job Fair, Hollister

15th – 4-H Pancake Breakfast,

Bolado Park, Tres Pinos

& Beer Stroll

Tour, Aromas

Wine, Hollister

9th – Miss San Benito Rodeo th

16th – Saddle Horse Show

Parade, Tres Pinos

16 & 17 th

th

– Early Days at San Juan Bautista State Park

17th – Saddle Horse

Association Figure 8 Roping and Jackpot Roping, Bolado Park

22nd, 23rd & 24th – San

Benito County Saddle Horse Show, Tres Pinos

24th – Old Mission San Juan Fiesta, San Juan Bautista

JULY 1st - 31st – Fremont Peak Observatory Programs, San Juan Bautista 6 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

Street Festival

AUGUST 9th - 12th – Good Old Fashion Bluegrass Festival, Historical Park, Tres Pinos

12th – 53rd – Annual San Juan Bautista Antique & Collectable Fair, San Juan Bautista

17th – 19th – Vaquero

31st – Children’s Halloween

26th – Aromas Day, Aromas

NOVEMBER

Heritage Days, San Juan Bautista

SEPTEMBER 2nd – Admission Day BBQ, San Juan Bautista

8th – 9th – Civil War Days, Historical Park, Tres Pinos

28 – 30 th

th

– Fair Horse Show, Bolado Park, Tres Pinos

29

th

– Vertigo Day, San Juan Bautista

OCTOBER 4th- 7th – San Benito County

Fair, Bolado Park

Party, San Juan Bautista

3 –4 rd

th

– El Teatro Campesino Dia De Los Muertos, San Juan Bautista

10 – Strolling San Juan Bautista, San Juan Bautista th

11th – Veteran’s Day Parade, Downtown Hollister

17th – Holiday Sparkle Fashion

1st Saturday of the month,

Vertigo Coffee Roasters, Pop Ups, San Juan Bautista

1st Saturday of the month, Side

Walk Saturdays Merchant Sales, San Juan Bautista

Weekends, September 15th – October 14th, Northern California Renaissance Faire, Hollister Every First Friday, Open Mic Night, San Benito Arts Council, Hollister

24th – Lights on Celebration Parade, Downtown Hollister

20 – Discover Classic Cycling Event, Hollister

1st – San Juan Bautista Holiday of Light Parade, San Juan Bautista

26th & 27th – Rotary San

14th – Holiday Bonfire,

Juan Bautista Ghost Walk, San Juan Bautista

Living History Days, San Juan Bautista

23rd – El Teatro Campesino Christmas Pageant Play, San Juan Bautista

DECEMBER

th

1st Saturday of each Month,

Every Wednesday, May – September, Certified Farmers Market, Downtown Hollister

Show, San Juan Bautista

13th – San Benito Olive Festival, TBD

RECURRING EVENTS

San Juan Bautista

San Benito The Guide I 7

THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

GROWTH ACROSS THE BOARD S

Tourism, technology, housing, retail sectors remain strong in San Benito County

an Benito County is a true slice of California living, and the growing community tucked between the Bay Area and Monterey Bay has its economy on a gradual rise.

Businesses and organizations of all sizes are leading the way, whether it’s companies in one of the city’s business parks such as Teknova, huge companies like Earthbound Farm in San Juan Bautista or smaller merchants offering a unique product, service or style—think Mike Fisher at Fisher’s Restaurant, Tami Castañeda-Huaracha at Dona Esther’s Mexican Restaurant or Peter and Karina Hernandez at Ohana Shave Ice—San Benito County is full of success stories.

Nonprofits are thriving, too, whether it’s Pinnacles National Park Foundation drawing a quarter-million people annually to the park or the San Benito County Arts Council helping to bring life into the downtown culture scene. The tourism sector as a whole is doing quite well because the national park is just one of many must-see outdoor attractions in the area. Visitors can camp, hike, ride and relax at various places such as the historic, charming mission town of San Juan Bautista, the winding and historic De Anza Trail or the tranquil surroundings of Mercy Hot Springs.

The county with a population approaching 60,000 and steadily increasing over recent years represents

8 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

San Benito The Guide I 9

(business community) all that’s great about the Golden State with its rich diversity, mountainous landscapes, a trove of recreational opportunities, a deep love for culture, its dedication to high-quality education and healthcare, and an appreciation for the arts.

It’s a county gaining more and more attention as a community with a whole lot to offer for businesses and families.

HOLLISTER’S RISE After all, the county seat of Hollister with a population ticking toward 40,000 is growing at a healthy pace, with several hundred homes going up in recent years, and taking steps forward with commercial development such as a 100,000 square-foot shopping center planned for McCray Street.

That development has drawn interest from companies such as TJ Maxx and other large retail employers that have noticed a big opportunity in Hollister and surrounding areas. Even outside of Hollister, big businesses such as Pillsbury Wine Co. and Dunkirk Wine Co. noticed their own, respective opportunities when in 2017 they bought Pietra Santa Winery and Calera Wine Co., two long-adored mainstays in the local wine culture.

Aside from retail prospects, Hollister City Manager Bill Avera had several success stories in mind that reflect the community’s upward movement from an 10 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

HOLLISTER ALSO CONTINUES TO BE A PLACE WHERE LONG-HELD BUSINESSES, OFTEN PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION, CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND ADAPT. economic perspective. Avera thought the city’s hotel-incentive program played a key role in attracting the 77-room Fairfield Inn & Suites located near the Highway 25 and San Felipe Road entrance to town.

That hotel, which opened in the summer of 2017, has been “very busy” to this point with high occupancy rates across the board.

“The Marriott hotel is kind of—the first of things to come,” said Justin Nicholls, general manager at the new lodging spot, summarizing the City of Hollister view on future economic growth and lodging in particular.

Nicholls said the city is confident that more hotel establishments will open in the near future to accommodate local growth. Aside from pent-up demand, Nicholls believes the Fairfield does well in Hollister because Fairfield/ Marriott customers are “very loyal” and

are willing to travel a bit farther on the short Highway 25 connector between HIghway 101 and Hollister.

As for other success stories, Avera noted that Kitty Hawk, the Googleassociated startup (formerly called Zee.Aero) has been working on a flying vehicle while stationed at the Hollister Municipal Airport, saying the company has already talked of expanding at the location. Avera also mentioned the city is taking part in talks with a developer on a “major deal” to buy 20 acres of the Airpark Business Center that would result in a “pretty substantial” number of jobs in a county where unemployment dropped below 5 percent toward the end of 2017.

Hollister also continues to be a place where long-held businesses, often passed down from generation to generation, continue to thrive and adapt. It’s a place where neighbors trust neighbors.

McKinnon Lumber Co. has seen a lot of community growth since opening its doors in 1910. John Barrett started working for the company in 1973 and bought McKinnon Lumber from his uncle in 1989.

Barrett said the business has “always been well supported by the community.”

“They learn what we do, and who we are, and when they want personal service they know to come here,” he said.

Hollister’s support of local businesses has also been a boon for Irma’s Fashions.

The late Irma Bertuccio opened the shop, now located on Fifth Street of downtown Hollister, in 1940. Bertuccio ran the business until she was age 96. Karen Tonascia now runs the shop, while a focus on customer service and giving back to the community remains the same.

“We participate in a lot of fashion shows, which are usually fundraisers for local nonprofits,” Tonascia said. “That’s a really fun way to be involved in the community.”

Regular customers have played a big role in allowing the business to stay open so long.

“Our customers are like family. We know them, they know us and we know what they like,” Tonascia said. “I think the customer service tradition that Irma

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(business community) started, and taking the time to truly listen, is what sets us apart.”

With ideal conditions locally, many outside companies have noticed great potential in San Benito County.

One of those transplants is Teknova, which makes products for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical company has more than 5,000 different products and more than 100 employees. Teknova moved to Hollister in 2004 and has been expanding rapidly in recent years.

With thousands of houses in the area currently permitted or under construction, Teknova CEO Ted Davis sees the healthy, local housing market as a boon for the talent pool. He thinks people will find the community is the perfect place to live and work.

“There are some great people here—a lot of people involved in philanthropic efforts,” he said. “It’s a small community.

But when you get involved, you can see a positive impact.”

Avera, over at City Hall, also expects that more employees will want to work closer to home as the economy continues to improve. He’s expects more and more Silicon Valley companies to allow their employees to work from home or satellite offices.

Mike Corbin with Corbin Motorcycle Seats & Accessories moved his company to Hollister in 1997 and hasn’t looked back. As the world’s leading manufacturer of 12 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

motorcycle saddles, Corbin has found that Hollister and its world-famous Hollister Independence Rally are a perfect fit for his company.

THE COUNTY HAS A STRONG RANCHING HERITAGE AND PRODUCES A VARIETY OF LIVESTOCK. “We helped resurrect the rally in 1995, and the rally made Hollister very appealing,” Corbin said. “When we outgrew our old place, we decided to move here to help with the rally and continue to grow.”

COUNTRY ROOTS GROW The economy isn’t just growing in Hollister, either. Mostly driven by the county rural areas and other towns like Paicines, San Juan Bautista and Tres Pinos, agriculture remains San Benito County’s biggest industry. It accounted for more than $367 million in total commodity values in 2016, and it’s a number that’s been consistently on an uptick for the past decade.

Producing a variety of commodities— everything from cattle to apple orchards and organic spinach operations—San Benito County is an agricultural powerhouse. It is one of the top five

producing counties in California for spinach, lettuce, salad mix and peppers.

Talk about a healthy backbone.

The county has a strong ranching heritage and its operations produce a variety of livestock, but the cattle category brings in the brunt of the commodity value—close to $20 million in 2016 and even higher in prior years depending on market conditions.

In San Benito County, organic farming has gradually become a bigger part of the agricultural economy, with consumer demand continuing to drive higher numbers for producers like Earthbound Farm and many other small and large operations.

Dick and Bonnie Swank have grown a healthy reputation for their produce and family-friendly operation. With 350 acres, 125 of those are certified organic. The Swanks grow and sell fruits, vegetables and ornamentals.

Still, they are perhaps best known for their annual corn maze that’s open for about a month in the fall each year.

“Our corn maze is more than a haunted attraction—it is a great place to bring your family for a day full of fun with activities for all ages and two mazes to explore that are not scary,” Bonnie Swank said. “We have food, activities, a pumpkin patch, and so much more.”

Those are just a few examples of success stories in rural San Benito County.

SAN JUAN’S REAWAKENING One of the biggest success stories in the past few years has been San Juan Bautista, home to historic landmarks like Old Mission San Juan Bautista and the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park where the monthly Living History Days events take place and involve characters dressed in costumes of “mountain men, Civil War soldiers, Victorian ladies, and more,” according to the state parks website. It hasn’t just been the historic landmarks driving a general reawakening for San Juan Bautista.

Shops such as Margot’s Ice Cream Parlor and restaurants like Dona Esther’s or Jardines de San Juan are places that

every visitor must experience, which is why they’re often such popular stops throughout the week and weekends.

The range of nightlife options has expanded as well, with newly added 18th Barrel Wine Tasting Room joining Bear’s Hideaway as elegant stops on the main street of San Juan Bautista.

San Juan’s economy continues growing at a steady pace for big and small businesses. Earthbound Farms Organic is located nearby, and is the largest producer of organic salads in the U.S. It was also the first company to produce pre-washed, packaged salad greens on an industrial scale.

On a bit of a smaller scale, Mansmith’s Gourmet has a top-notch reputation.

Known for 100% natural barbecue sauces and spices, the business manufactures a concentrated gourmet BBQ paste and dry-rub seasonings for indoor and outdoor grilling and broiling.

Mansmith’s also does catering of its delicious meats, including the famous tri-tip cookouts they produce.

Jon Mansmith began manufacturing seasoning blends in 1985 as an offshoot of his barbecuing and catering business.

By 2006, Mansmith’s son had taken over the catering and Jon focused on the spices full time.

“I had a water-testing laboratory that I had the chance to sell and wasn’t sure what else to do at age 40, so I started manufacturing the spice blends I had been using all along,” Mansmith said.

“I’ve always been creative, inventive, and this was a natural progression.”

REAL SLICE OF CALIFORNIA Other rural areas outside of Hollister and San Juan are seeing their share of growth, too. Tres Pinos is home to a charm-filled layout of dining experiences, such as the Inn at Tres Pinos, and is down the road from the bustling Bolado Park Event Center. It’s also the closest town to many of the neighboring ranchers and farmers with operations in that area of the county.

Paicines itself is a leisurely drive from Hollister. As part of the beautiful countryside, this gateway to Pinnacles

National Park includes the famous Paicines Ranch and its event center, in one of the more elegant, classic settings around.

If Paicines is elegant, Aromas is country cool. The cross-section of San Benito County and Monterey County has its own unique charm, with open landscapes, the town with a grouping of old-fashioned shops and a strong housing market.

With economic health and stability throughout San Benito County, the

area has a bright future and continues to lay out the welcome mat to visitors and newcomers.

Airpark Business Park developer Ken Lindsay, who’s centrally involved in local efforts to bring outside companies to Hollister, feels good about the near future.

“I’ve got several companies that I’m going to be talking to today,” he said in early January 2018. “I think the economy is doing great and we’ve got some opportunities for 2018.”

HAULING & JUNK REMOVAL / SITE DEMOLITION / RECYCLING RJR has been offering great service for San Benito County since 1995, we offer Trash, Recycling, and Clean up services for commercial and residential. RJR is a certified Recycling Center and Construction and Demolition Debris Facility, Open 7 days a week!

Visit our website at www.rjrrecycling.com or call 831-636-7756

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S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 13

SA N B E N I TO C O U N T Y OV E RV I EW

PERFECT LANDING SPOT Airport, commerce-friendly environment show county means business

W

hen it comes to doing business, San Benito County is a perfect landing spot.

The Hollister Municipal Airport is among many reasons enterprises of all sizes should consider doing business in this beautiful, climate-friendly, procommerce community off Highway 101 conveniently located 45 minutes south of Silicon Valley and 30 minutes from the ocean.

For those who want to stay close to home for cultural and recreational offerings, though, San Benito County’s own tourism industry has been one of the major driving forces for the local economy in recent years and continues to expand.

Pinnacles National Park’s eye-popping growth in popularity still has the business and outdoors communities buzzing ever since the attraction officially became one of the country’s top outdoors destination spots. Former President Obama enacted the monument as a national park in January 2013, making it one of just nine national parks in California and one of 58 in the entire country. Each year, more

14 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 15

(san benito county)

Pinnacles National Park

EACH YEAR, MORE THAN A QUARTERMILLION PEOPLE VISIT PINNACLES, WHICH IS ABOUT A 40-MILE SCENIC DRIVE FROM HOLLISTER. than a quarter-million people visit Pinnacles, which is about a 40-mile scenic drive from Hollister, and that number of enthusiastic attendees keeps growing.

Pinnacles with some of the most diverse nature and picturesque views in the nation, is just one major recreational draw among many local tourist options.

16 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

Throw in such popular attractions like a trend-setting wine trail with a slew of top wineries, Hollister Hills Management area for motocross riders, the old-world charm of the historic mission city of San Juan Bautista, a thriving agri-tourism industry, Fremont Peak State Park and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (also part of the National Parks System), and it’s easy to see why San Benito County has become one of the hottest destinations in the California tourism industry.

The tourism outlook is one reason why Fairfield Inn & Suites recently built a 77-room hotel in the north gateway of Hollister with picturesque views and comfortable accommodations for all types of travelers. The hotel chain, known for its loyal customer base, recognized San Benito County as a golden business opportunity.

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We strive to help and service our accounts while maintaining a positive record of fair pricing, good service, and timely delivery for our customers. All accounts are kept on an Automatic Keep Full Service that Pacific Propane monitors for you and schedules the deliveries.

We provide propane tanks that are

made with extra rust proof coating for our customers. We offer “Budget Pay� for customers who want to pay a fixed amount every month instead of paying off the delivery within 30 days. You can pay easily and quickly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with our free online services or you can call our office and one of our representatives would be glad to take your payment. We accept all major credit cards.

Pacific Propane has personnel available to come to your property and give you an estimate for new service. We offer a variety of propane tank sizes, depending on the BTU load your residence will demand.

For an estimate or to talk with a company representative, please contact us directly at (877) 839-6006 or visit us at www.pacificpropane.com

Pacific Propane 11520 Commercial Pkwy.

Castroville, CA 95012 (877) 839-6006 S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 17

(san benito county)

Fairfield Inn &

Suites Hollist er

THE TOURISM OUTLOOK IS ONE REASON WHY FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES RECENTLY BUILT A 77-ROOM HOTEL IN THE NORTH GATEWAY OF HOLLISTER.

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v 18 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

“True to what they expected, it has been a success from the get go.

Currently, even on a midweek day in the last week in December, we ran at 91 percent occupancy,” said General Manager Justin Nicholls, adding how the end of a year is typically the slow season in the industry.

Nicholls said the hotel gets “a good mix” of travelers. They might be tourists looking to visit local and regional attractions, or he said they might be here on business doing work with such places as Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital or Marich Confectionery, the trend-setting chocolate maker located on Bert Drive in the midst of Hollister’s ever-growing business-park district.

BUSINESS TAKES OFF The city’s business parks are conveniently located near the enterprise-friendly Hollister Municipal Airport, which is an easygoing, threemile drive from a charming and historic downtown shopping district. Making the airport especially attractive and rare

for a city of Hollister’s size is the runway length. At 6,350 feet long, the primary runway can handle a fully loaded Boeing 737. Additionally, the airport charges no landing fees, has a fixed-base operator, and offers premium car-rental service on site to accommodate business and personal travelers.

That’s not all. The City of Hollister in recent years worked with the federal government, and now-retired Congressman Sam Farr, to designate the airport with “through-the-fence” accessibility. It means neighboring businesses and others using nearby properties get convenient, doorstep access to the runway and taxiway system. The through-the-fence luxury is a regulatory rarity, even in a region with Silicon Valley down the highway and other traveler hubs such as Monterey and Santa Cruz nearby, giving San Benito County a competitive advantage over most other communities in California.

That’s a big deal for business parks such as Airpark Business Center and its developer Ken Lindsay, who has

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Forgiving Paws Thrift Shop in Hollister is making a difference in San Benito County and beyond. This non-profit organization serves as a source of much-needed funding to support the life-saving work of animal shelters and rescues.

Racks of gently used Men, Women & Children’s clothing, home décor items, Vintage & Costume Jewelry, collectables & antiques, books, CDs & DVDs and other treasures fill the Shop.

(831) 638-2119 195 Meridian St., B-18 • Hollister, CA 95023 Ad space donated by Recology San Benito 20 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

THE AIRPORT CHARGES NO LANDING FEES, HAS A FIXED-BASE OPERATOR, AND OFFERS PREMIUM CAR-RENTAL SERVICE ON SITE. boasted about benefits of the special runway access in Hollister along with the close proximity of the city’s business parks to the airport.

“Companies that have key managers that need to travel to solve problems, provide innovation and so on, can really benefit if they can get on a plane and land at their facility in 15 to 20 minutes,” Lindsay said.

City of Hollister’s top officials for years have recognized the airport’s importance. Its improvements have been part of a larger effort to promote economic development and lay out the proverbial welcome mat for business.

Hollister City Manager Bill Avera stressed the local government’s support for business expansion at the airport and said the municipality’s leaders are continuing to work toward promoting runway access for potential clients. Officials are also looking to build some additional taxiways to further improve conditions there.

The city’s approach has translated

Amy Bailey, CPNP Joseph Godbout, PA-C – Family Practice/Pediatrics Marie J. Spencer, CPNP Arminda Tolentino, M.D. – Family Practice Anita Tolentino–Macaraeg, M.D. – Pediatrics Amy Underwood, PA-C, RD, CDE

into airport use by Google-associated startup Kitty Hawk (formerly Zee. Aero) for its new and somewhat mysterious flying-vehicle technology. It also translated into interest from what Avera called a “major employer looking at doing a land assembly and land purchase at Airpark” on site.

Avera said the city works with organizations such as the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp. to help spur the local economy. He mentioned the EDC recently completed a CEDS, or a comprehensive economic development strategy, a key document in the planning process that allows the city “to have a conduit to some funding at the federal level.”

“So overall, the City of Hollister has multiple partners when it comes to economic development,” Avera said.

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Marie J. Spencer

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S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 21

SAN BENITO VITAL SIGNS

Hollister Airport

San Benito Co. Back roads

POPULATION

Teknova

WEATHER

San Benito

59,037

Average High in January

60°F

Hollister

37,462

Average Low in January

38°F

1,862

Average High in August

82°F

457

Average Low in August

54°F

Annual Precipitation

14.25"

San Juan Bautista Tres Pinos

FAST F ACT

San B Experieenito 262 Su nces n Per Yeny Days ar Averag On e

INCOME & HOUSING MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $67,874

DISTANCE

Recent Job Growth 3.32%

Median Priced Home Approaching $500,000

MRY FROM HOLLISTER CONNECTION

SFO

Future Job Growth 39.74%

Unemployment Less then 4%

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT Population 25 years and over

TO AIRPORTS

SJC – Mineta San Jose International

67 Miles

SFO – San Francisco International

98 Miles

OAK – Oakland International

99 Miles

MRY – Monterey Airport

54 Miles

CVH – Hollister Airport (General Aviation)

(local)

36,178

Less than 9th grade

13.7%

9th to 12th grade, no diploma

8.3%

High school graduate (incl equivalency) Some college, no degree

AT&T Park (Home of the San Francisco Giants)

4.4% 25.8%

Associate's degree

8.8%

Bachelor's degree

13.4%

Graduate or professional degree

5.6%

Percent high school graduate or higher

78.0%

Percent bachelor's degree or higher

19.0%

AGE AND GENDER

Levi Stadium (Home of the San Francisco 49’ers) 58 Miles AT&T Park (Home of the San Francisco Giants)

98 Miles

Oracle Arena (Home of the Golden State Warriors)

113 Miles

56%

SAP Center (Home of the San Jose Sharks)

52 Miles

50%

44%

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

52 Miles

26%

21%

Monterey Bay Aquarium

50 Miles

Monterey Beach

50 Miles

Pinnacles National Park

35 Miles

SAN BENITO

HOLLISTER

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

Male

50%

50%

Female

50%

School Age Population (19 & under)

23%

24-64 Population (working age)

52%

52%

54%

Voting Age Population

61%

55%

70%

22 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

DISTANCE FROM HOLLISTER TO POINTS OF INTEREST

Yosemite’s South Entrance

160 Miles

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 23

SAN BENITO TOURISM

HISTORY ON THE DOORSTEP San Juan Bautista bristles with tourism, retail activity

A

s one of the oldest cities in California, San Juan Bautista is brimming with rich history and small-town charm. It’s also brimming with economic vitality in recent years.

Named after the Old Mission San Juan Bautista and one of the famous California mission towns, the city is situated just off Highway 101 between Monterey and San Jose.

San Juan Bautista has agrarian and agricultural roots and remains surrounded by active farm fields, but it’s also a hub for culture such as the many art shows and other special events planned at the Vertigo Coffee Roasters shop entering the main street of town or El Teatro Campesino Playhouse a few blocks away.

The 18th Barrel wine-tasting room is one of the newer hubs for nightlife, with its wide variety of regional wines and craft beers, along with places like Credo Studio where the shop holds a schedule of open mics and other gatherings. If visitors are looking for a Historic San classically San Juan Bautista meal or marJuan Bautista garita, stopping at Dona Esther’s Mexican Restaurant or Jardines de San Juan will certainly please their palates.

Overall, historic landmarks remain the No. 1 draw for tourists in San Juan Bautista, but those visitors stay, relax and enjoy themselves because the town has grown a reputation as a fun, entertaining hangout spot, and rightfully so with all the offerings there.

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Saint John the Baptist

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 25

(san benito tourism) MISSION STANDS TALL San Juan Bautista’s allure does start with the historic mission, though. The Old Mission San Juan Bautista was founded June 24, 1797. The current church was dedicated on June 23, 1812, with interior finishes continuing through 1817.

The Old Mission has the largest church of any California mission and has retained much of the charm from its former days. The plaza facing the church and buildings around it are designated a “State Historical Monument” so there are cultural events at or near the historic church quite often.

The San Juan Bautista State Historic Park and Plaza represent what was once the town square. The park includes several structures built in the 1800s, and the four main historic museums are the Plaza Hotel, Zanetta House or Plaza Hall, the Plaza Stables, 26 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

THE OLD MISSION HAS THE LARGEST CHURCH OF ANY CALIFORNIA MISSION AND HAS RETAINED MUCH OF THE CHARM FROM ITS FORMER DAYS. and the Castro-Breen Adobe. Many of the interiors have exhibits that help to create a real-life learning environment for people of all ages. The park also features a blacksmith shop, the historic jail and an early American settler’s cabin.

It is open daily for self-guided visits and offers guided walking tours by advanced reservation. School tours are also available and occur often. Park

Ranger Jennifer Naber said the park sees about 100,000 visitors per year, including more than 40,000 students.

“We see all kinds of visitors,” Naber said. “Sometimes students bring their parents back after their visit. Sometimes tourists come off the 101, and a lot of visitors to the mission come over.”

VIBRANT THEATER SCENE Another cultural institution in San Juan Bautista is El Teatro Campesino. Founded by legendary American playwright and director Luis Valdez, El Teatro Campesino Playhouse has set a high bar for Chicano theater in the U.S. Founded in 1965 on the Delano Grape Strike picket lines of Cesar Chavez’s United Farmworkers Union, the company continues on as an artist-driven, professional, community-based theater organization that’s dedicated to development of artists and original works.

C I T T Y Y C I T Y

O FF O O F

HH I I SS TT OO RR YY H I S T O R Y

For upcoming events and information visit For For upcoming upcoming events events and and information information visit visit

upcoming events and WELCOME information visitCENTER SAN For JUAN BAUTISTA SAN SAN JUAN JUAN BAUTISTA BAUTISTA WELCOME WELCOME CENTER CENTER project of San Juan Committee 501(c)3 nonprofit SANa JUAN BAUTISTA WELCOME CENTER

a project a project ofPO of San San Juan Juan Committee Committee 501(c)3 501(c)3 nonprofit nonprofit 319 Third St Box | San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 a project of| San Juan1416 Committee 501(c)3 nonprofit 319 319 Third Third St St | PO | PO Box Box 1416 1416 | San | San Juan Juan Bautista, Bautista, CA CA 95045 95045 319 Third St | PO Box 1416 | San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

www.SanJuanBautistaCA.com www.SanJuanBautistaCA.com www.SanJuanBautistaCA.com www.SanJuanBautistaCA.com

Dining Dining Dining in in the the Hacienda Hacienda Clubhouse Clubhouse Diningin inthe theHacienda HaciendaClubhouse Clubhouse at at San San Juan Juan Oaks Oaks at atSan SanJuan JuanOaks Oaks

SS an Juan Oaks Golf San an Juan Juan Oaks Oaks Golf Golf

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Enjoy Enjoy the the high high ure. Enjoy the high beamed beamed ceilings of the beamed ceilings ceilings of of the the clubhouse, clubhouse, a a comfortable comfortable clubhouse, a comfortable lounge lounge with big screen lounge with with big big screen screen television, television, picturesque television, picturesque picturesque dining dining on the patio, and dining on on the the patio, patio, and and spacious spacious banquet banquet and and spacious banquet and wedding wedding facilities with wedding facilities facilities with with seating seating for for up up to to 300.

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Our seating for up to 300. Our Our culinary culinary crew crew creates creates rereculinary crew creates regional gional local cuisine using gional local local cuisine cuisine using using the the freshest freshest ingredients ingredients the freshest ingredients available available accompanied available ,,, accompanied accompanied with with friendly friendly attentive service.

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LD WORLD CHARM MEETS MODERN DAY AMENITIES

Breakfast • Lunch • Sunday Brunch • Weddings • Special Events

Photo by Steve Loos Photography

3825 Union Road, HollisteR 831.636.6127

W W W W. N U N O K S. O M WWW.SANJUANOAKS.COM WW W W. W. SS S AA AN N JJJ U U AA AN NO O AA AK K S. S. CC CO OM M S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 27

(san benito tourism)

Fremont Peak

PHOTO BY ALAN ENG LISH

“Central to our work is recognition and value of our indigenous and farmworker roots,” El Teatro Campesino Board Member Phil Esparza said. “Our 47Established years inMarch San 22, 1982 Juan Bautista have added greatly to the community’s economy and culture. Add to that, our ongoing educational efforts that provide basic and advanced theater training to our youth and other members of our immediate community, and the impact has been noticeable.”

At Doña Esther’s You’re Family. (And you have been for 36 years!)

As for its founder, Valdez is a winner Arts Council. His best-known works of the George Peabody Award and include “Zoot Suit,” “La Bamba” and Enjoy Authentic Mexican Dishes a founding member of the California “Corridos”.

Established March 22, 1982

At Doña Esther’s You’re Family. (And you have been for 36 years!)

Enjoy Authentic Mexican Dishes

25 Franklin Street San Juan Bautista

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Banquet Facilities Perfect for Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding Receptions, Enjoy Authentic Mexican Dishes and Business Meetings Banquet Facilities Perfect for Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding and Full Service BarReceptions, Open Business Meetings ‘til Midnight on Sat & Sun Full Service Bar Available Happy Hours 3-7 pm Weekdays Happy Hours 3pm-7pmFri Weekdays Live Entertainment 6-9 pm Live Entertainment Fri 6pm-9pm Mon-Sat 9 am-10 pm; Sun 9 am-9 pm Pet friendly patio available Sunday Brunch Buffet 9 am-3 pm with Live Music11am-9pm; from 10 am 1 pm Mon.-Thurs.

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San Juan Bautista

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HISTORY OVER THE HORIZON The history in San Juan Bautista doesn’t stop with the mission or the halls of El Teatro. The 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail also runs through the area. It commemorates the route traveled in 1775 and 1776 by Spanish Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza and a group of colonists from Sonora, Mexico. The travelers settled Alta, Calif., and established a mission and presidio in what is now San Francisco.

Naomi Torres is the superintendent of the Trail and pointed out how it captures the history of early California.

“It highlights the beauty of California, and represents the natural landscapes and native people who were significantly impacted by the expedition and further colonization,” she said. “It also represents the families who settled in the area as part of the Anza Expedition story.”

PEAKS AND VALLEYS For outdoor enthusiasts, Fremont Peak offers an enriching hike with incredible views.

From San Juan Canyon Road, the walk or jog to the summit goes along a half-mile trail that ascends 300 feet. The hike is worth it, because that view from the summit is stunning.

From the top of the trail, visitors can see the Monterey Peninsula and Bay, the South Bay mountains, the Diablo range from Pacheco Peak southward, and the San Benito Valley.

Residents of San Juan Bautista have embraced their namesake and rallied together over the years to preserve the community’s rich history, and have consistently taken ownership of the icons and symbols that make their community home. Whether learning, shopping, dining, hiking or exploring, there’s no place in California quite like San Juan Bautista.

NATIVE PLANT GARDEN SJB SOWS KNOWLEDGE & HOPE FOR LOCAL TRIBE

B

lue elderberry is sprouting from the San Juan Bautista soil. It is is one of nearly 200 indigenous plants that are growing in a section of the San Juan Bautista State Historical Park’s Heritage Garden, designated as The Native Plant Garden.

This garden is the result of a partnership between the Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) and California State Parks.

The Native Plant Garden provides cultural knowledge for the Amah Mutsun, and teaches others about the tribe’s rich history and continued presence in the county.

The Amah Mutsun are descendants of the Mission Indians of Missions San Juan Bautista and Santa Cruz. Their involvement in the Native Plant Garden underscores the tribe’s commitment to partner with government entities, conservation groups, businesses, educational institutions, and other native peoples to steward and conserve their traditional territory for generations to come. Park staff welcome the collaboration.

“It’s important to give space to the Mutsun, and to have them more represented in San Juan,” said Park Ranger Jennifer Naber.

Once a month, AMLT members gather at the Garden to tend to the plants and maintain the surroundings.

Sara First oversees the work. First is an associate researcher for the AMLT and

the tribe’s ethnobotanist. She explains that every plant found in the garden is significant to Amah Mutsun, serving either as a food source, a medicinal herb, or ecological vector.

Take the , for example. Its edible berries can be used to make preserves. Its flowers can be used to make tea, and its stems can be hollowed out and made into a traditional Amah Mutsun musical instrument, the clapper stick.

While the blue elderberry thrives under First’s watchful eye and the care of tribal volunteers, the Native Plant Garden has also become a vehicle to connect Amah Mutsun youth with their culture and ancestry.

Josh Higuera and Abran Lopez are part of the garden’s Native Stewardship Corps. The program is an extension of the AMLT, and is designed to connect tribal youth to the tribe’s traditional methods of land management. But it often does much more, helping corps members develop stronger ties with their heritage and a better

Blue Elderberry

sense of identity.

“Over the last couple of years, I’ve learned a lot about the native land practices that my tribe used.

And I’ve become more in touch with my tribe, especially working in our homeland,” Higuera said.

Before his involvement in the AMLT, Lopez explained that he lacked direction. The Stewardship Corps changed that.

“Learning about food plants and crafting plants and their connection to the world has given me a sense of purpose,” he said.

Programs like the Stewardship Corps have helped the Native Plant Garden to demonstrate value and quickly gain support in the community. Several area plant nurseries have donated to the garden, including Go Native of Montara, Acterra Native Plant Nursery of Los Altos Hills, the University of California, Santa Cruz Arboretum, Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden of Watsonville, Sutro Stewards, and Save the Bay, both of San Francisco.

For more information on the Amah Mutsun and the Native Plant Garden, visit www.amahmutsun.org.

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 29

S H O P , D I N E , S T AY & P L AY

FULL BASKET OF SHOPPING

& DINNING Enthusiasts have endless options for memorable experiences

S

an Benito County was already an up-and-coming hotspot for recreation—whether visitors plan to take in wineries, fine restaurants or wedding spots—but several new establishments have upped the area’s game even further in recent years.

Reflecting the county’s agricultural heritage—where crop values surpass $360 million annually—a steady stream of new farm-to-table dining spots have opened in recent years such as Farmhouse Café and Fisher’s Restaurant in downtown Hollister, both offering an array of organic, locally produced ingredients. Adding to the excitement for the central shopping district in Hollister, two new elegant wine-tasting rooms are on tap with Aroma Cellars and The Epicenter Wine Room, and they join the 18th Barrel and Bear’s Hideaway in downtown San Juan Bautista as part

30 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 31

(shop, dine, stay & play)

of broader efforts to bring San Benito County’s famous Cienega Wine Trail just a tad closer to the masses.

Whether looking for a place to shop, dine or enjoy fine wines, San Benito County has people talking, and the culture scene is like a fine wine. It’s only getting better with time.

Food and wine are always top of mind around these parts because there are so many exquisite options, many with an international taste, from which to choose.

LOCAL, INTERNATIONAL DELIGHTS A staple of the Hollister food scene is Paine’s Restaurant & Bar. The menu offers a variety of Italian and American options, and has been serving the community since 1929. Paine’s is known for great food, casual fine dining, local wines and first-rate service.

Chef and owner John Kouretas, who has been working in the restaurant business since he was 15, developed his style under top chefs in the Bay Area before bringing it home to Hollister.

“At Paine’s, we do a lot of steaks, pastas and fresh seafood. The people here are great and really support the work we do.”

Dining enthusiasts definitely don’t

Fisher’s

WHETHER LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO SHOP, DINE OR ENJOY FINE WINES, SAN BENITO COUNTY HAS PEOPLE TALKING, AND THE CULTURE SCENE IS LIKE A FINE WINE. IT’S ONLY GETTING BETTER WITH TIME. 32 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

The

Heavenly Bakery Cafe & Bakery

The Heavenly Bakery Cafe located in downtown Hollister was established eight years ago by Bob & Shelia Stevens they are known for their delectable treats and famous salmon salad. Grab a cup of coffee and a scone on your way to work or as you are head to one of our local parks for a morning walk.

The bakery is the go to place for meetings and good friends to get together.

The Heavenly Bakery is open seven days a week and serves breakfast and lunch daily.

They also do private parties, catering, and service local restaurants with their breads, cakes, and pastries.

Come see our booth at the Farmers Market Wednesdays from 3-7 pm May – Sept

Mon - Sat: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm 601 San Benito Street • Hollister

I 33 (831) 630-0300 San Benito The Guide

(shop, dine, stay & play)

SAN BENITO COUNTY IS HOME TO A RANGE OF FANTASTIC MEXICAN SPOTS. 34 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

have to travel far to enjoy international cuisine in San Benito County. The area is home to a range of fantastic Mexican spots such as La Catrina and Los Cuates in Hollister, and the always buzzing Dona Esther’s Mexican Restaurant in the heart of San Juan Bautista.

For yet another international flavor, just off main street in the Mission City is one of the most unique restaurant experiences in the region with the

Where Margaritas are sacred and food fills the soul

THE DRINKS We offer a great opportunity to discover a large selection of Mexican beers, tequilas, margaritas & cocktails. Our drinks are thoughtfully and intricately handcrafted with premium & fresh ingredients, houseinfused spirits, and the freshest produce.

Perfect alone or paired with our food, each drink is artfully prepared with the same love we pour into everything we do.

THE RESTAURANT Locally, family-owned & operated, La Catrina is a warm and casual approach to fine dining, where we focus not only on making our food and drinks special, but also on offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel part of the family.

THE FOOD La Catrina combines the freshest ingredients and boldest flavors; our menu offers a range of traditional family recipes, along with culinary innovations we know guests will love.

Experience a true taste of Mexico with traditional favorite & modern dishes, always made with fresh ingredients.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, and breakfast on weekends.

We invite you to enter our home and experience our passion for the flavors of Mexico.

La Catrina Mexican Grill 449 San Benito St. Hollister, CA 95023 (831) 313-0905 S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 35

(shop, dine, stay & play)

Running Rooster

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IF AFICIONADOS OUT FOR A MEAL WANT TO KEEP THINGS ON THE CASUAL SIDE, THERE ARE MANY SAVORY OPTIONS IN THE COUNTY. LOOKING FOR A MEMORABLE BREAKFAST OR LUNCH SPOT? IN HOLLISTER, THERE ARE PLACES LIKE HEAVENLY BAKERY, WHERE THE MEALS ARE JUST AS HEAVENLY AS THE BAKED GOODS FROM THE HOMETOWN

Matxain Etxea Basque Restaurant, which features French and Spanish recipes served in a traditional Basque family style.

Another go-to spot on the Hollister dining scene is Fisher’s, offering New American-style cuisine. Opened in early 2016, the restaurant represents worldclass chef Mike Fisher’s homecoming after learning his trade at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and working in some of New York’s finest restaurants. Fisher moved back to the West Coast, and worked in San Diego and Carmel, before returning to the Central Coast and his hometown.

“Hollister is home. We live in the best microclimate in the world, and the bounty of ingredients, namely the produce, doesn’t get any better than it does here,” Fisher said. “Something as simple as an onion has to travel a distance, but I can get those right here.”

If aficionados out for a meal want to keep things on the casual side, there are many savory options in the county.

Looking for a memorable breakfast or lunch spot? In Hollister, there are places like Heavenly Bakery, where the meals are just as heavenly as the baked goods from the hometown establishment.

Over in Tres Pinos, the always-popular and hip stop FlapJacks Breakfast & Grill is sure to satisfy appetites with its famous scrambles, omelets, breakfast burritos—or its filling, juicy burgers on the lunch menu. Hollister native Naomi Ruiz purchased the established restaurant just over two years ago and has added her own flair. Flapjacks is a popular stop for motorcyclists and cyclists as they travel the scenic backroads of Tres Pinos and Paicines all the way to King City.

SHOPPERS’ PARADISE As for more traditional shopping, Hollister and San Juan Bautista have a wide range of charming merchants and specialty retailers.

Families with children or adult hobbyists will surely want to stop at Bill’s Bullpen Sports Cards & Comics to choose from the local shop’s catalog of goods. San Juan Bautista has plenty

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S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 37

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RAY & PEGGY PIERCE We Will Help You Find

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enito for Benito for over over30 30 Years!

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WE CATER PRIVATE/CORPORATE EVENTS AND DO FUNDRAISERS.

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Your Complete Full Service Bicycle Repair & Skateboard Retail Store.

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All year ongoing bicycle rides, AM & PM’s, Fall/Winter indoor spin classes.

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101 McCray Street, #101 Hollister-Near KFC, 831-636-0802

Open Mon - Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sundays - Gone Biking

Serving Hollister for over 75 years, Johnny’s has always been a social gathering place with great food. During the so-called Hollister riots of 1947 when 4000 motorcyclists descended on the sleepy town, Johnny’s position on San Benito Street put it right in the middle of the action. Its place in history makes it a bucket list destination for bikers and history buffs alike. As owner of the famous bar for 22 years, Charisse Tyson takes pride in its history and a reputation for the best burger in the county, tasty cocktails and ice-cold beer. Enjoy karaoke on Thursday and Friday nights at 9pm and Saturdays at 8pm.

We look forward to seeing you.

Now Serving Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week From 10:00am until Now Serving 3:00pm Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week From 10:00am until 3:00pm

The Friendliest Little Bar in Town, Serving Hollister for over 75 years!!

526 San Benito Street, Hollister 831-637-3683

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www.flyingcolorsdance.com • info@flyingcolorsdance.com 40 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

WHILE IN DOWNTOWN HOLLISTER, DON’T MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROWSE THE SHELVES AT TRENDY SPOTS WITH LOCALLY INSPIRED GIFTS AND ARTISAN PRODUCTS.

of options for hobbyists, too, such as the TOPS A Rock Shop (TOPS is short for Turquoise, Opals, Pearls and Stones) and many others.

While in downtown Hollister, don’t miss an opportunity to browse the shelves at trendy spots such as San Benito Bene, a one-stop gift shop with its lineup of locally inspired gifts and artisan products, or Bella Charm and its variety of jewelry, clothing and accessories. Going through a revival of sorts, meanwhile, is the long-successful Irma’s Fashions and its offering of popular ladies fashions. A charming shop with trendy fashion and accessories.

FOOD AND FUN For others looking to shop, peruse and dine at the same stop, Corbin Motorcycle Seats & Accessories—which builds top-ofthe-line motorcycle seats and other parts on site along with the Sparrow Electric Vehicle—also offers the Wizard’s Cafe with the classic diner (50’s style soda shop) serving such menu items as shakes, sodas, snacks and Mexican entrees.

Other places such as Casa de Fruta, on Highway 152 and accessible from Highway 5, offer multiple options with a motel and a campground for those wanting more than a day trip. The grounds include a restaurant, grocery store, fruit stand, sweets shop and wine-tasting room, and guests can also pan for gold or enjoy a ride on the 1987 Double Decker Venetian Carousel—handcrafted in Italy but purchased and restored by Casa de Fruta.

Another great draw to the area’s entertainment culture is the local arts scene. Through programs developed by the San Benito County Arts Council, the community can regularly enjoy art classes, arts education programs, festivals, rotating exhibitions and more.

“We try to stay connected with local events and bring an arts element to everything that is happening downtown,” Program Manager Amanda Chiado said. “We’ve also brought the people to the arts and partnered with the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, Hollister Downtown Association and local artists to create a Walking Tour Map for community members and visitors to experience our local works of art.

Johnnies Girl

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Guest cottages available for overnight stays 10 miles from Pinnacles National Park Family gatherings • Retreats Romantic Getaways • Corporate Events Lots of farm animals, tennis and basketball courts, hiking trails, pool table, arcade room, ping pong, barbecue pit and more.

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Book your camping getaway TODAY! ThousandTrails.com • (877) 570-2267 16225 Cienega Road Paicines, CA 95043 Ask how you can camp all year long with our Thousand Trails Camping Pass! Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass is offered by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, an affiliate of Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington as required by Washington Law. Value, quality or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department.

The filing does not mean the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan.

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 41

THE GREAT OUTDOORS County offers options for hikers, campers, motorists & retreat seekers.

In San Benito County, the great outdoors is always around the bend.

The ever-alluring county with numerous mountain ranges offers visitors—and those lucky enough to call it home—all types of reasons to go on an adventure, or two, or three or more.

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK To start off, San Benito County is home to one of just nine national parks in California and 58 in the entire nation. Pinnacles National Park, and its 26,000 acres of nature in the Gabilan Mountains, is the premiere outdoor attraction in the region.

Pinnacles is also one of the most environmentally diverse places on the planet, and features such must-see attractions as a wide variety of rock formations formed by volcanoes some 23 million years ago and the chance to peruse some of the most diverse plant wildlife around. The mountainous, rocky terrain combined with a mild, dry climate create perfect living conditions for many species of both plants and animals.

One of the most famous creatures to grace the skies and cling to the rocks

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of Pinnacles—along with golden eagles and peregrine falcons—is the California condor. Pinnacles National Park has been home to a condor recovery program since 2003 and it has resulted in a reintroduction for many of the endangered species into nature, with the park and Ventana Wildlife Society comanaging a program now overseeing the monitoring of 86 of the great American birds in Central California, according to Pinnacles. That’s a big deal when considering the species’ history.

Condors long faced extinction. For decades, environmentalists cautioned over the species’ decimated numbers. In 1967, the California condor was placed on the first Endangered Species list in the U.S., according to the National Park Service. The population had dropped to just 22 known birds in the 1980s, when all of the remaining condors were trapped for captive breeding to prevent extinction.

Condors, however, make up just one chapter of the Pinnacles story and experience. Aside from recreational opportunities such as hiking and rock climbing, the park offers nature exhibits, guided tours and special events throughout the year.

Pinnacles provides one of several camping opportunities in San Benito County, along with places like Casa de Fruta, Bolado Park, Lake McAlpine, Fremont Peak, Mission Farm RV Park, San Benito County Historical Park and Thousand Trails—a popular RV and camping resort near Hollister.

PEEKING OVER SAN JUAN Fremont Peak State Park and nearby Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail give recreationalists a bevy of worthwhile opportunities in their own right, making the San Juan Valley a go-to

destination for shoppers, history buffs and outdoors enthusiasts.

Fremont Peak is known for a fun, challenging hike with incredible views along the way. From San Juan Canyon Road, hiking to the summit takes visitors along an easy half-mile trail ascending 300 feet. Views from the summit are stunning.

From the top of the trail, visitors can see the Monterey Peninsula and Monterey Bay, the South Bay mountains, the Diablo range from Pacheco Peak southward, and the San Benito Valley.

The top of Fremont Peak is about 10 miles from the section of another signature draw for nature lovers. The De Anza trail, which is within walking distance from San Juan Bautista and the iconic Mission church downtown, actually encompasses 1,200 miles and runs from Mexico to San Francisco. The trail portion in San Benito County overlooks the beautiful San Juan Valley, and plays a role in commemorating the route traveled in 1775 and 1776 by Spanish Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza and a group of colonists from Sonora, Mexico.

NEVER OVER THE HILL If hobbyists want to get off the beaten path, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area provides an array of thrilling opportunities for motorcyclists, 4-wheelers, picnickers and campers, according to the state park. Hollister Hills remains one of the most popular spots in the entire state for off-road vehicle recreation.

Hollister Hills includes 800 acres of recreational opportunities, a fenced motorcross track and 24 miles of trails used for 4-wheel drive activities, motorcycling and special events.

ROAD TO ENJOYMENT The outdoors experience in San Benito County just begins with the Big 3—Pinnacles, Fremont Peak and Hollister Hills—but there’s much more from there.

Being such a vast, open county totaling about 1,400 square miles, many of that comprised of country roads, the area is optimal for cycling enthusiasts. Off the

Chain Bikes in Hollister—a full-service, hometown bicycle shop—offers weekly, 15-mile group bike rides on Saturdays and 50- to 70-mile rides on Sundays for the more experienced cyclists.

On a similar note, if sightseers aren’t so keen on working up a sweat, the county is the perfect place for a relaxing day drive on one of the many winding roads through the countryside or rolling, mountainous landscapes.

It’s well worth it to venture over to places like Paicines, gateway to the Pinnacles and home to historic stopping grounds such as the Paicines Ranch (legendary actress Judy Garland married her third husband there). It’s a working, historic ranch and event center that also hosts the annual Kinship Center Fundraiser, where many of the best wineries and eateries sample their products in order to give back to the foster organization.

Along the way, places such as Bolado Park schedule a variety of entertainment throughout the year.

Aside from being home to one of the most traditional, longest-running county fairs in California, Bolado Park hosts the annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo, a hometown affair and one of the most traditionrich sporting events in all of California.

The event takes place each June, with festivities running several weeks and culminating on rodeo weekend, and includes a Saddle Horse Show Parade in downtown Hollister. Additionally, on rodeo weekend, Guerra Cellars offers one of its shows in the Hollister Concerts series that runs throughout the summer at the delightfully scenic Pepper Tree Ranch.

The fun doesn’t end with those events, though, as visitors will be hardpressed to forego a trip to Mercy Hot Springs, a tranquil retreat getaway where visitors can check their stress at the door, or take in one of many opportunities for hunting, camping, fishing or night gazing in the beautiful San Benito County countryside.

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S H O P , D I N E , S T AY & P L AY

PAIRING WINE WITH WEDDINGS

S

The area boasts one of the best wine trails around, first-rate event venues

ometimes change is a good thing.

That was the case in 2017 for the San Benito County wine industry, with two major producers acquired by larger wineries that are staunchly committed to continued improvements for the local brands.

It’s also the case when people choose where to get married, and this county has become a top wedding destination—oftentimes at a local winery—for newlyweds throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

To say the least, there’s a connection between these local dream weddings and wineries, where visitors and locals often say their vows.

Both Calera Wine Co. and Eden Rift (formerly Pietra Santa) were acquisition targets this past year. Arizona-based Pillsbury Wine Co. purchased Eden Rift, and Napa Valley-based Dunkirk Wine Co. bought Calera.

Those larger wine companies are now part of San Benito County’s Cienega Valley Wine Trail, a must-see for any enthusiast of California varietals and a place where people from all over the region travel to experience the countryside, mountainous beauty—and great-tasting wines—which make the state famous in the industry.

Those newcomers are now part of a strong and growing tradition, joining other famous, local wineries on and off the trail such as DeRose Winery, Casa de Fruta, Leal Vineyards and many other winemakers in places like Paicines, Tres Pinos and other areas of rural south county.

In this lovely wine country, the area’s temperate climate—with warm and dry summers and mild winters—makes conditions ideal for growing delicious grapes. That growing reputation

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S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 47

(weddings & wine trails) is a reason why a slew of wine-tasting rooms have been opening in places like Hollister (with Aroma Cellars and The Epicenter Wine Room tasting rooms in downtown) and San Juan Bautista (where 18th Barrel, Aimee June Winery and Bears Hideaway call home).

For many years, hip wine enthusiasts have flocked to San Benito County. And while the area’s wine trail may have been the state’s best-kept secret in the past, it’s hardly a secret to the wider public anymore considering its reputation as a place where people can enjoy some of the best wine in the world to go with the area’s rolling hills and perfect weather.

The local wedding-venue industry is hardly a secret, either. In fact, it’s booming. That was one of the most striking realizations for the Fairfield Inn & Suites management team when their 77-room hotel opened in Hollister last year.

“I think one of the key things we’ve realized is Hollister is actually a pretty popular wedding destination,” said Fairfield General Manager Justin Nicholls. “The new-coming wineries and vineyards they have out in the area and countryside—we get a ton of lodging and wedding requests related to those.”

DREAMS COME TRUE Visitors can enjoy everything from the classic elegance of traditional wineries to more Western-style backdrops for their weddings at venues such as Casa de Fruta, San Juan Oaks Golf Club, Fox Creek Ranch on the Cienega trail and Paicines Ranch.

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Bar SZ Ranch, for one, routinely draws couples from places from as far as the East Coast to celebrate weddings in traditional California style. Bar SZ Ranch owner Tim Borland said he provides a working ranch with animals and ranch activities–and that brides typically design their wedding experiences around it.

“Each bride has her vision of her big day,” Borland said. “The location is spectacular, and the possibilities are endless.”

The ranch accommodates 35 guests with room for RV and tent camping. The honeymoon suite–once an art studio of the late, world-renowned artist Thomas Kinkade–has breathtaking views of the San Benito Mountains. While on their stay, wedding party guests can enjoy such amenities as horseback riding, roping, hayrides, trap and skeet shooting, archery, and hiking.

Down the road from Bar SZ Ranch is another popular wedding destination– Paicines Ranch–which offers guests panoramic views, sweeping lawns and historic buildings that are beautifully restored.

Paicines Ranch can accommodate groups ranging from 50 to 350 people.

“We are encouraging eco-weddings, and help couples reduce their environmental impact and have a celebration that they can feel good about in a multitude of ways,” Wedding Coordinator Mary Rowen said, emphasizing the peace and tranquility that come with the experience.

One of the newcomers to the local wedding business is the Lemon Grove.

Janet Lompa and her family expanded their working 50-acre lemon orchard to serve as an event venue for parties, weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Caretakers of the lone citrus farm in the county, the Lompas first built an adobe house and a reservoir for their orchard, adding stone walls and several fountains coupled with landscaping and flowers to create a picturesque, memorable oasis.

For couples desiring classical luxury, San Juan Oaks Golf Club is an ideal venue. With a clubhouse reminiscent of the Old Mission located just a few minutes away in San Juan Bautista, San Juan Oaks features tile roof, wide hallways, broad windows, arched entryways, exposed wooden trusses and sleek fixtures. The venue hosts 30 to 40 weddings per year.

“We have beautiful venues in San Benito County–ours and others,” said Scott Fuller, San Juan Oaks general manager. “It’s not just the venues themselves that make this area so appealing–the surrounding atmosphere is beautiful. I also think there’s a warm, friendly hospitality here and that’s great for weddings.”

Visitors in pursuit of premiere elegance and world-renowned beauty certainly aren’t limited to weddings, though.

Calera Winery has its tasting room on top of a mountain overlooking the Cienega Valley. Pietra Santa offers 16 wines and organic, extra-virgin olive oils. DeRose Vineyards is the oldest winery in the state and nurtures land that has been producing grapes for more than 150 years.

DeRose is known for award-winning Zinfandel, Negrette, Cabernet Franc and Viognier.

“This is a great region for wine, and we have some world-renowned Pinots right here in San Benito County,” said owner Pat DeRose.

DeRose called his vineyard and the trail as a whole “a really nice place to visit.”

“All of the vineyards in San Benito County are reasonably priced, friendly,” he said, “and we all like having visitors.”

PAINE’S RESTAURANT & BAR MAKES EVERY OCCASION SPECIAL As one of the fastest growing communities in California, Hollister has managed to maintain the old world charm and small town appeal that the Central Valley is known for. Located just 50 miles south of San Jose, Hollister is a thriving community and boasts some of the most beautiful views in the state. It is also in the heart of an area known for wonderful food and wine options, and no trip would be complete without a trip to Paine’s Restaurant & Bar. A staple of the Hollister food scene, Paine’s has been serving the community since 1929, and is known for great food, a good helping of local wines, and excellent service.

The restaurant’s current location was built in the late 1950s, and has played host to numerous weddings, birthday parties, and other special events.

The appeal at Paine’s goes far beyond the banquet facilities though, and many local residents have celebrated a number of their own special occasions at the restaurant. For generations, everything from date night to celebrations of all shapes and sizes have happened at Paine’s.

John Kouretas has been working in the restaurant industry since he was 15, and developed his style under top chefs in the Bay Area. He bought Paine’s from Delmer Paine and his family in 1980. Given the restaurant’s history and popularity, he saw no reason to change the name, and instead has worked to maintain and expand on the quality the business has always been known for. “Paine’s was so well known in the community when I took over I just thought, if the name has been good, why change it.”

“There used to be a lot of ballroom dancing here, and a through the years we’ve had lot of interesting guests,” Kouretas added.

“In fact, the great Rocky Marciano used to frequently come to Paine’s. There’s a lot of history here.”

Not only has Paine’s become synonymous with special occasions, it has also developed a reputation for some of the best food in the area. Local fresh produce is available year round and acres of land for cattle, livestock, and poultry make options plentiful. As a result, Kouretas and Chef Stevens have access to some of the finest ingredients using all-natural products to create truly fresh foods from scratch.

“Our menu features a lot of French, Italian and American items, and we’ve got great seafood and great steaks,” Kouretas said. “We always try to buy local when we can.”

Whether you need to find a fantastic place to host your next event, catering for your next gathering, or the perfect place for casual dining on date night, Paine’s has you covered with great food, great service, and a great atmosphere, every time!

Paine’s Restaurant & Bar 421 East St. Hollister, CA 95023 (831) 637-3882 S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 49

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RELOCATION

IDEAL LIVING CONDITIONS San Benito County offers many quality-of-life benefits for relocation

S

an Benito County is on a roll economically and culturally, making it an ideal place to relocate a business and family.

Nothing rings truer these days for this up-and-coming community that boasts an unbeatable combination of great weather, gorgeous mountainous surroundings, a long list of recreational amenities and enticing year-round cultural offerings.

In other words, the quality of life is through the roof these days, which is one reason why the growth in rooftops has been so healthy.

Located a short drive from the Pacific Ocean coast, this gem of a community tucked between Silicon Valley and Monterey boasts some of California’s best wineries, high-end schools, a top-of-the-line hospital system, endless outdoor options and entertaining events throughout the year. On top of all that, the weather is great with an average temperature in the upper 60s and more than 300 days of annual sunshine.

With a fast-growing county population approaching 60,000, up nearly 10 percent from 2010, San Benito County is home

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 51

(relocation) to communities like the bustling Hollister (population 36,600 as of the latest census but on the uptick), the historic mission town of San Juan Bautista (population 1,922), the beautiful countryside in Aromas (nearly 3,000 people), the rancher hub of Tres Pinos, the Pinnacles National Park gateway of Paicines and the mercury mining town known as New Idria.

San Benito County’s housing industry, for one, has exploded in the past few years. Much of that development has occurred within county limits, San Juan Bautista and the City of Hollister, where new homes have been built each year since the post-recession comeback. A

top city leader, though, believes that leadership in this community has prepared well for the boom.

“Our former leaders did a really good job of preparing us with the proper infrastructure to accommodate the growth,” Hollister City Manager Bill Avera said, referring to fixes on long-existing

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water and wastewater issues.

From an infrastructure perspective, he said leaders “did a good job of allowing us to be in a position to accommodate this growth” without negative effects on services.

Avera pointed out that two of the fastest-growing sectors overall for the local economy have been construction and automobile sales. That’s good news for local auto retailers like Greenwood Chevrolet and Tiffany Motor Co. As for the automobile side, Avera surmised that people gradually have become more comfortable, financially speaking, in years following the last recession.

That has allowed them to buy homes and upgrade their vehicles.

It’s likely that type of outlook that is drawing companies like TJ Maxx, which is planning to open a store in Hollister.

It will be part of developing a 100,000-square foot shopping center with other major retailers, Avera confirmed.

Avera and other city leaders have been pro-business in general and particularly in their approach to housing and commercial growth.

“What we’ve done is we’ve encouraged companies to come if they need our help, whether it be fast tracking or getting through the permit-processing part.” Avera said. “We obviously will do that whenever we can.”

An example of such an approach was a city hotel-incentive program, which helped spur construction of the Fairfield Inn & Suites near the Highway 25 gateway. Whenever the city can, council members and other officials support such customized programs for business recruitment, Avera said.

“Certainly, you can tell our council has been pretty proactive in economic development,” he said.

The balance of housing and commercial growth shows the city has been

growing in a positive, healthy direction.

“A lot of times you’re not going to get the retailers unless you have the people here that are going to shop at those places,” Avera said.

A 10-minute drive away on Highway 156—one of three major highways connecting the county to other communities—San Juan Bautista has been pro-business as well. Of course, much of the business activity in the historic city’s shopping district is comprised of charming mom-and-pop shops, fine dining establishments and ever-pleasant wine-tasting rooms. The Mission City is located near Highway 101 between the Gabilan Mountains and Flint Hills. One of the oldest towns in California, it is rich with culture and character–such as Old Mission San Juan Bautista and El Teatro Campesino, a well-known Chicano playhouse founded by legendary writer and director Luis Valdez.

Residents in San Juan traditionally rally to preserve the city’s historic character, even if it means debating passionately about local topics. Still,

though, there are many new housing developments in various stages of construction, each providing additional options to meet the area’s increasing demand for homes.

Quality of life in San Benito County, though, stretches far beyond living accommodations and culture. The county has excellent schools and healthcare as well.

CLASSROOM SUCCESS There are plenty of excellent options for public education in San Benito County, whether it’s traditional schools, academic-focused public institutions such as the Dual Language Academy and Accelerated Achievement Academy in the Hollister School District, a state-of-the-art San Benito High School campus, or the more liberal arts-orient-

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 53

(relocation) ed Anzar High School in San Juan.

Overall, San Benito County has 11,000 students and 11 school districts.

Those districts range from very small rural schools serving 5 to 30 students to the 3,000-student San Benito High campus.

Krystal Lomanto, San Benito County superintendent of schools, said local educators work tirelessly to make

SAN BENITO COUNTY REAL ESTATE MARKET

SINGLE FAMILY Closed Sales

San Juan Bautista

2016 45

2017 42

2016

$555K

Average Sales Price

$581K

2016 458

2017 433

2017 San Benito County

2016 607

-5.6%

$678K

$475K

19.9%

$695K

$504K

$510K

$495K

$545K

-47.0%

35

$533K

$587K

9.6%

40 13.3%

$538K

8.3%

7.8%

39

2017 570

-6.3%

7.1%

17.9%

63

VS

Hollister

-4.5%

Median Sales Price

Average Days on Market

HEALTHY LIVING Classrooms are just the start when it comes to healthy trends. When businesses or families relocate to a county like this one, they’re often putting healthcare access at the top of the priority chain. Fortunately, there are about 100 doctors practicing in San Benito County.

The San Benito Health Founda-

sure students attain a high-quality education and reach whatever goals they desire after high school.

“San Benito County is a great place that allows parents to be involved in the educational success of their students,” Lomanto says. “We have caring teachers, committed staff and administrators who care about the academic success of their students.”

41

44 7.0%

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tion offers medical, dental and WIC services for low-income residents at the main location or San Juan Bautista Clinic.

Pinnacle Urgent Care is open Monday-Saturday for residents and visitors’ medical needs.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Local mainstay Hazel Hawkins MeState Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, 1101201.1 State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL morial Hospital, meanwhile, has four community health clinics, a multispecialty center, an orthopedic specialty center and a primary care center. Hazel Hawkins also offers 24-hour emergency services with an 18-bed Emergency Department and two clinics. The hospital in recent years went through a major, publicly supported renovation to facilities.

“We are fortunate that even though San Benito County Office of Education we are a smaller, rural community, we Engage, Encourage, Empower…Educate!

San Benito County Office of Education have access to excellent health care San Benito County Office of Education Engage, Encourage, Empower…Educate! in our area,” said Frankie Gallagher, San Benito County Office of Education San Benito County Office of Education 460 Fifth StreetEmpower…Educate!

– Hollister, CA 95023 Engage, Encourage, director of marketing for Hazel HawEngage, Encourage, Empower…Educate!

San Benito County Office ofEmpower…Educate!

Education Engage, Encourage, San Benito County Office Education 460 Fifth Street – Hollister, of CA 95023 kins Memorial Hospital. “The hospital, Engage, Encourage, Empower…Educate!

San Benito County Office of Education To learn more about our schools, please contact through the generosity of donors and a Engage, Encourage, Empower…Educate!

To460 learn more about our our schools, please contact Engage, Empower…Educate!

(831) 637-5393 or visit page at www.sbcoe.org tax-bond measure, built a new WomFifth Street –Encourage, Hollister, CAweb 460 Fifth Street – Hollister, CA 95023 460 Fifth Street –95023 Hollister, CA 95023 460 Fifth Street – Hollister, CA 95023 (831) 637-5393 or visit our web page at www.sbcoe.org en’s Center with 13 private birthing suites and technologically advanced To learn moreour about our schools, please To learn more about schools, please contactcontact 460 Fifth Street –page Hollister, CA 95023 more about our schools, please contact To learn more about our schools, please contact diagnostic imaging services for women, To learn (831) 637-5393 or visit our web at www.sbcoe.org 460 Fifth Street – Hollister, CA 95023 Toorlearn more about our schools, please contact (831) 637-5393 orour visit our web page at www.sbcoe.org (831) 637-5393 visit web page at www.sbcoe.org and a new ER.” (831) 637-5393 or visit our web page at www.sbcoe.org (831) 637-5393 or visit our web page at www.sbcoe.org Gallagher went on: “We have exTo learn more about ourour schools, please cellent physicians and staff, and the To learn more about schools, pleasecontact contact personalized care our patients receive(831) 637-5393 or visit our web page at www.sbcoe.org (831) 637-5393 or visit our web page at www.sbcoe.org from all of our healthcare providers is a testament to their dedication in Reading & Literacy App for Residents of San Benito serving the community in which they Reading & Literacy App forApp Residents of San Benito Reading & Literacy for Residents of San Benito www.myf2b.com/register/sanbenitocoe live and work.” www.myf2b.com/register/sanbenitocoe

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VA LUA B LE I NV E ST ME NT

JOINING THE CHAMBER

IS ADVANTAGEOUS www.DiscoverSanBenitoCounty.com | www.SanBenitoCountyChamber.com

One of the most beneficial moves that a local business can make is to join the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.

This member-driven association has a mission to promote and facilitate the growth of the business community. Serving its members since 1921, the chamber staff looks forward to many more years of service.

To fulfill its goal of assisting existing ventures and attracting new ones, the chamber works closely with the City of Hollister and the County of San Benito to keep business bustling and consumers attracted to the area. This partnership additionally promotes the perfect at-

mosphere for entrepreneurs looking for a home for their company.

Assisting with the area’s economy is not the chamber’s only objective, though. The group also provides a unified voice for members in governmental affairs on local, state and national levels.

It follows issues that could affect business and encourages elected officials to support those that would have a positive impact on local businesses.

An important benefit of membership is networking with other area business people. By sponsoring membership luncheons, Business after Hours, Lunch &

Learns and other functions, where the chamber provides valuable opportunities for members to make new business contacts.

Referrals are another direct benefit of membership. When the chamber office receives calls about where to obtain particular products or services, members are always the first reference the chamber staff provides.

These are just some of the reasons why businesses should align themselves with an organization that cares about its members and the community. Contact the chamber to see what other benefits the group can offer your company.

97TH ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER SPONSORS AgriPharma C&N Tractor CareMore Dick and Frankie Gallagher Don and Diane Winn Eden Rift Edward Jones- Mark Vivian Galaxy Self Storage

56 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

Graniterock Company Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Heritage Bank of Commerce Intero Real Estate JRG Attorneys at Law La Catrina Margot’s Ice Cream Parlor MBS Business Systems Paine’s Restaurant

PG&E Rabobank Recology of San Benito RJR Environmental Professional Services, Inc. Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Tricia Harvey Union Bank

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MIXER: Host one of our monthly Business After Hours Mixers. Have the floor to talk about your business, give guided tours of your facility or showcase your specialty food, and we’ve even held a treasure hunt. Use your imagination and our staffs expertise to plan a unique event that will make you stand out in a crowd. This is a great way to introduce other chamber members to your business and make new connections.

Nine opportunities to network throughout the year.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY COMMITTEE: Monthly roundtable discussion about Federal, State and local issues that impact your business and our community. Work with local officials to help with economic development and encourage businesses to relocate or expand to our county. Guest speakers include council members, county supervisors, transportation officials and educators. Eleven opportunities throughout the year to stay connected.

MONDAY BREW & PERKS: Meets twice a month for a round table discussion to share marketing ideas, partnerships with other businesses, discuss issues that are impacting your business and what we can do to help. Focusing on small to medium sized businesses, homebased business, sole proprietors, those starting out or those who need fresh ideas.

Building a stronger business community is what we all want. More than twenty opportunities a year to meet with over business members in a small group setting.

Making that happen takes team work so let’s all get involved.

SHOP LOCAL - SHOP SMALL: The Chamber organizes the Shop Local – Shop Small campaign each year, helping to bring awareness to our community about how shopping local improves the community we Live, Work and Play in.

LUNCH & LEARN: Several times a year the chamber organizes networking opportunity with guest speakers to make presentations. Speakers include the City Manager , First Responders, Tax Experts and such.

Topics are always current to what is happening in our community. Chamber members can sponsor a lunch to advertise their business. More than nine networking opportunities a year.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: The Chamber organizes several educational opportunities throughout the year for members to brush up on social media marketing, Quickbooks, new tax laws, human resources requirements and other workshops that help strengthen our business community.

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 57

BUSINESS EXPO & JOB FAIR: Each year the San Benito County Chamber organizes our county Business Expo & Job Fair. This opportunity is open to all businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, healthcare, etc. Entertainment is provided and it gives the community a chance to see what we have to offer.

SAN BENITO COUNTY FAIR BOOTH: The chamber provides its’ member a FREE space to advertise their business in the Chamber’s county fair booth. The chamber staff sets up and takes down the booth when the fair is over. All our members need to do is provide staff and their information. It is a membership investment benefit.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: In 2015 the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce brought this national program to San Benito County. Wreaths Across America is celebrated all across the county on the same day in December to honor our Veteran’s by putting a wreath at each headstone. It is a community event where service clubs, 4-H members, Boy & Girl Scouts and community volunteers spend the morning placing the wreaths.

CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS: Are you a new business, celebrating an anniversary, launching a new product or expanding your showroom. The chamber will advertise, organize and promote your business by holding a ribbon cutting. Some ideas to bring in new customers to the celebration range from Hawaiian Hula Dancers to Scavenger Hunts and wine give-a-ways. Only Chamber members are entitled to receive this service and media exposure.

THE BUSINESS/VISITORS GUIDE: Each year the chamber publishes the guide, by selling ad space, writing editorials, hunting for the right pictures, and makes sure the county is well represented. Hundreds of hours go into producing 10,000 copies of the magazine you are reading. We are proud to be the leader in getting the word out about what a great diverse community we have.

58 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

These are just a few of the benefits of your membership investment. There are many more benefits that you see and do not see. Our staff is always working behind the scenes to make sure our members, our community and our visitors enjoy what we have.

THE SAN BENITO COUNTY CHAMBER

TRAVEL PROGRAM

T

he San Benito County Chamber Travel Program gives everyone a chance to explore other countries with friends and family and make new friends along the way.

The Chamber’s first planned trip to China was a

10 days exploration of China’s culture where we climbed the Great Wall, rode the Bullet Train, visited the Terra Cotta Warriors and so much more.

“The experience was once in a lifetime,” Kathleen S. who traveled with her daughter to celebrate her 70th birthday. “We had so much fun just laughing and meeting the people.

I am so glad I went.”

Chamber CEO Juli Vieira decided to introduce this program to San Benito County residents and the response has been wonderful. “I wanted to give everyone a

chance to travel, business owners are able to see how other

countries operate and some even came back with ideas to use in their businesses. It also gives our community a way to travel in a group where they might not feel comfortable traveling alone. The best thing about it is everything is planned for you, so it is a no worry vacation.

China was our first trip and we will be leaving for Ireland on September 3, 2018 for 10 days to discover, take in the sights and enjoy being “Irish”. In 2019 the chamber is planning two trips one domestic (location TBD) and another either to Italy or Spain.

For more information follow us on Facebook at San-Benito County-Chamber or our website www.SanBenitoCountyChamber. com You do not need to be a chamber member or live in San Benito County to join our tours.

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 59

AMBASSADORS PROGRAM MISSION The vision of the San Benito County Chamber Ambassadors is to create a sense of community and balance that will allow new and existing businesses to thrive in the County. This volunteer group is committed to promoting goodwill, participation and an appreciation of economic growth.

• Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits.

• Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership.

• Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in the Chamber’s programs.

• Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership.

WHO ARE OUR AMBASSADORS? Our Ambassadors consist of volunteers from the Chamber membership who donate their time and talent, to assist the Chamber in promoting our local business community, and creating personal business relationships while serving their community.

SAN BENITO COUNTY CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Barbara Cosio ���������������������������������������������������� Community Supporter Debbie Scherer ������������������������������������������������� Community Supporter Dr. Larry Masula �������������������������������������� Masula Family Chiropractic Gordon Machado..........................................Rustic Turtle Embroidery Lisa Jensema............................................................Recology San Benito Megan Crable..........County of San Benito America’s Job Center Patty Bergin �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Mary Kay Lori Thompson ���������������������������������������������������������Pinnacle Healthcare Ralphy Hobbs ����������������������������������������������������������������Mini Max Storage Rosemary Bridwell ��������������������������������Bridwell Landscape Designs Roslyn Jacobs �������������������������������������������������������������������������������CareMore Sylvia Sims Delay.........................................Bertao Real Estate Group Tammie May ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������CareMore

2017 AMBASSADOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS INCLUDED: • Community Food Bank of San Benito County’s Backpack Program • Chamberlain’s Children Center organized clothing donations and provided art supplies.

• Community Food Bank of San Benito County sock drive for the homeless.

• Halloween trick or treats for the Troops stationed overseas.

• Signed Christmas Cards for the Troops stationed overseas.

• Participated in collecting First Aid Kits for the Troops stationed overseas.

• CASA of San Benito donated books.

60 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL GEMSTONE COMES FROM SAN BENITO COUNTY

W

hile most gemstones are valued for color and clarity there are some valued for their rarity. The official state gem of California is extremely rare and comes from San Benito County.

In 1907, while looking for cinnabar, a mercury ore mineral, James Couch discovered benitoite. He was at the New Idria Mercury mine, near the San Benito River when he spotted the dark blue crystals among white silica. What he thought were sapphires turned out to be one of the top 12 rarest gems which today is worth $4000 per carat.

The Couch samples were sent to University of California Berkeley for analysis. Dr. George Louderback confirmed that the blue crystals were indeed a new mineral and named it after the area in which it was found.

According to John Veevaert, a geologist who currently owns the largest personal collection of the blue mineral, “benitoite is unique in the world of crystals.” He explains that it provided mineralogists with more than just a new mineral.

There are six basic Shapes of crystal formations – cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, hexagonal, triclinic

and monoclinic. Early in the theoretical development of crystallography, it was hypothesized that there was a class of the hexagonal system that would produce trigonally (triangular) shaped crystals.

The discovery of benitoite proved this hypothesis” The triangular shaped crystals are now referred to as Benitoite Type.

This multicolored gem is beautiful polished or in its natural state. The most common color is a deep sapphire blue with hints of violet but it can also be found in clear, white, pink and a green-gray color. Considered a double refracting crystal, benitoite radiates a rainbow of colors when hit by light.

The California Federation of Mineralogical Societies proposed that it be adopted as the state’s gemstone in 1984 and in 1985 it was made official.

Because it is only a 6.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (diamonds are a

10) it is not very strong.

According to Veevaert this means benitoite is beautiful in pendants and bracelets but not a good choice for rings.

Benitoite is found in other parts of California and the country, but it does not match either the quantity or quality once found in San Benito County.

TOPS A Rock Shop in San Juan Bautista sells benitoite.

Owner Kammie Osborn says: “The types of specimens that we have are rough pieces that have been worked. It’s a long process. You have to dip it in and out of acids to expose the rock.” The specimens found in the shop range from $4 to $1500, with faceted pieces.

Actual gemstones that have been cut, range in price from $50 to $4000.

While the original mine in New Idria, now known as Benitoite Gem Mine, is no longer open day trips are available. It is open on the weekends via reservation for a fee of $70 per person with seniors and children being less.

S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 61

CON TAC TS A N D S ERV I CE S IM P O RTANT P HO NE NUMB E R S

San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 831- 637-5315 243 Sixth Street, Suite 100 Hollister, CA 95023 Emergency................................................................................................ 911 Fire (CalFire)....................................................................... 831-637-4475 San Benito County................................................................................ 211 Poison Control................................................................... 800-222-1222 Poison Control (Animal)................................................ 888-426-4435 Police (non-emergency)................................................. 831-636-4330 Sheriff (San Benito County)......................................... 831-636-4080 Suicide Prevention Lifeline.......................................... 800-273-8255 HOLLISTER SERVICES Business Licenses............................................................. 831-636-4301 Fictitious Business Name.............................................. 831-636-4029 Hollister Recreation Dept............................................. 831-636-4390 City Hall................................................................................ 831-636-4300 Library.................................................................................... 831-636-4107 Planning Department...................................................... 831-636-4360 Senior Center..................................................................... 831-637-9275 SAN BENITO COUNTY SERVICES Animal Control...............................................831-636-4320 DMV....................................................................................... 800-777-0133 Employment Development Dept...................... 831-637-8111 Public Works..................................................831-636-4170 Superior Court ................................................................. 831-636-4057 UTILITIES PG&E .................................................................................... 800-743-5000 SBC Water District ......................................................... 831-637-8218 Sunnyslope Water District .......................................... 831-637-4670 City of Hollister Water................................................... 831-636-4301 GARBAGE/RECYCLING Recology San Benito County...................................... 831-636-7500 HEALTHCARE Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital............................ 831-637-5711 Pinnacle HealthCare....................................................... 831-634-4444 62 I S a n B e n i t o C o u n t y C h a m b e r. c o m

SCHOOL DISTRICTS San Benito County Office of Education................. 831-637-5393 Hollister School District................................................. 831-630-6300 San Benito County High School................................ 831-637-5831 San Juan – Aromas Unified........................................... 831-623-7660 CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA City Hall................................................................................ 831-623-4661 City Planning....................................................................... 831-623-4661 Library.................................................................................... 831-623-4687 Public Works (after hours)............................................ 831-902-0887

O UR GOV ER N M EN T LO CA L , STAT E & NAT I O NA L

HOLLISTER 375 Fifth Street Hollister, CA 95023 831-636-4300 Mayor Ignacio Velazquez 831-905-3720 mayor@hollister.ca.gov Council Member Raymond Friend District 1 831-313-3099 ray.friend@hollister.ca.gov Council Member Mickie Solorio Luna District 2 831-637-1342 mickie.solorioluna@hollister.ca.gov

Council Member Chris Mortorana councilmembermartorana@ san-juan-bautista.ca.us Council Member Dan DeVries d.devries@san-juan-bautista.ca.us Council Member Tony Boch councilmemberboch@san-juanbautista.ca.us

Council Member Council Member John Freeman Karson Klauer j.freeman@san-juan-bautista.ca.us District 3 831-801-0858 San Benito County karson.klauer@holliser.ca.gov Board of Supervisors 481 4th Street, 1st Floor Council Member Hollister, CA 95023 Jim Gillio 831-636-4010 District 4 sbcsuper@cosb.us 831-350-1087 jim.gillio@hollister.ca.gov District 1 Supervisor Mark Medina SAN JUAN BAUTISTA District 2 Supervisor 311 2nd Street Anthony Botelho (Chair) San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 831-623-4661 District 3 Supervisor Robert Rivas Mayor District 4 Supervisor Jim West Jerry Muenzer 831-234-1618 councilmemberwest@san-juanDistrict 5 Supervisor bautista.ca.us Jaime De La Cruz

CALIFORNIA State Assembly Member Anna M. Caballero (D- District 30) State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0030 916-319-2030 State Senate Anthony Cannella (R – District 12) Capitol Office State Capitol, Room 5082 Sacrament, CA 95814 916-651-4012 UNITED STATES Senators Kamala Harris (D – CA) Class III 112 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 202-224-3553 www.harris.senate.gov/contract/ Dianne Feinstein (D – CA) Class I 331 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 202-224-3841 www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index. cfm/email-me Congressman Jimmy Panetta 228 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-2861 https://panetta.house.gov/ S a n B e n i t o T h e G u i d e I 63

Sponsor Opport ship uni Availab ties le

Discovery Classic Cycling Event OCTOBER 20, 2018 100 K • 100 Mile • Gravel Ride • Family Ride Proceeds go to local charities including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9242 and American Legion Post #69.

For more information call 831-637-5315 or visit www.SanBenitoCountyChamber.com or www.DiscoverSanBenitoCounty.com

Health.

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State-of-the-Art Facilities: State-of-the-Art Facilities: Emergency Department Emergency Department with 16 private rooms and with 16 private 3 trauma bays rooms and 3 trauma bays Ambulatory Surgery Center Ambulatory Surgery Center Women’s Center with Women’s with 13 private Center birthing suites 13 private birthing suites Technologically advanced Technologically advanced Diagnostic Imaging Center Diagnostic Imaging Center

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We are proud of our commitment We are proud of our commitment to providing quality, compassionate health to providing quality, compassionate health care to the residents of our community care to the residents of our community offering the latest technology offering the latest technology and specialty services. and specialty services.

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