THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY
Libations Love&
FEBRUARY 8, 2019
Hot date nights and gifts in San Benito
SAN BENITO MAGAZINE INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance
Fun finds and dines for Valentine’s Day
AFRICAN AMERICAN HEROES P10 | VALENTINE WINES P10 | GODSPELL P13
E-CIG BAN CONSIDERED P2 | SEX OFFENDER RELEASED P2 | FEB. 22 IS D-DAY FOR ST. LOUISE P8
HOLLISTER • SAN BENITO COUNTY
A New SV Media publication
Friday, February 8, 2019
sanbenito.com • Vol. 147, No. 6 • $1
Council approves 400 block project’s parking in structure MIXED-USE BUILDING AND COMMUNITY CENTER GETS ITS PARKING Jaqueline McCool
The 400-block project on Feb. 4 won City Council approval to use parking spaces in the Briggs Parking Structure for the proposed mixed-use building and community center. The council voted 3-1 to approve an amended version of the project on Feb. 4 after directing the developer to make changes to the original plans in late 2018 and again in January. Mayor Ignacio Velazquez recused himself from the vote because he owns The Vault banquet hall on San Benito Street, adjacent to the Briggs structure and 400block site. He has consistently recused himself from any 400-block votes in the past several years because of the potential of a conflict of interest. Velazquez has been vocal in his opposition to the sale of the property to the Community Foundation of San Benito County and the Del Curto Brothers, not just because of the concept of the development but also because the city sold it for $300,000 ➝ Council, 11
Hollister Police Department
Reporter
OF A FEATHER Rocky the Eclectus Parrot was living in unsanitary, unhealthy conditions before animal rescue authorities and advocates in Hollister rescued him and nursed him back to health.
Rocky finds a home HOLLISTER POLICE RESCUE NEGLECTED EXOTIC PET PARROT Michael Moore Reporter
Hollister police recently rescued an exotic pet parrot that was suffering from numerous complications from ongoing neglect, malnourishment, unsanitary living conditions and lack of clean water, sunlight and ventilation. The brilliant, greenheaded colorful bird named Rocky is now thriving with a new family in a much more caring, healthy home, according to authorities. Bautista”Animal control immediately responded and found the green, red, blue, yellow
and gray parrot in a dirty birdcage that had been left outdoors in cold weather. The press release lists a variety of unhealthy conditions and symptoms that Rocky was suffering from: no access to clean water; signs the animal had been fed an inappropriate diet for the species; and no sunlight or ventilation in the cage. The bird had a “severely overgrown” beak and nails, making it difficult for him to eat or perch, and he was missing several feathers. Officers learned the bird had been living in these conditions for several months, police said. Due to the concern for the parrot’s health, the officers decided to immediately seize the bird and seek immediate veterinary care. The parrot was transported to a vet’s office,
where Rocky’s beak and nails were trimmed. A veterinarian suspected Rocky’s poor feather quality was likely associated with longterm improper diet, stress and lack of socialization. After his initial examination and treatment, Rocky was transported to the Hollister Animal Shelter to be cared for while police conducted an animal neglect investigation, according to police. During the investigation, officers consulted with Mickaboo Bird Rescue, a non-profit organization that specializes in the care of neglected, abused and injured exotic parrots. On Dec. 20, city officials conducted an administrative hearing to determine if the owner should regain custody of the bird. The hearing officer determined that Rocky should not be returned to his
previous owner due to the lack of basic care and concern for his well-being. Authorities did not respond when asked if Rocky’s previous owner was charged or cited for a crime. Rocky’s health vastly improved in the weeks following his rescue, police said. While in the care of shelter staff, the bird continued to visit an avian vet for routine beak and nail trims, as well as blood tests to ensure his health continues to improve despite his previous poor diet. Furthermore, Rocky has learned to imitate the sounds of different species that pass through the animal shelter, including chickens, dogs and cats, according to authorities. He also enjoyed treats including scrambled eggs, fruit and basking in the sunlight.
After Rocky was nursed back to health and cleared his veterinary examination, authorities sought a foster home in the community. He is now living with a family who has experience with exotic birds such as Eclectus, police said. After suffering the loss of their previous bird, the family heard Rocky’s story and decided their home would be a good fit for both species. “Rocky will live out his days basking in his large cage, in the warm sunlight that he needs to thrive,” reads the press release. “His new ‘father,’ recently retired, has already dedicated much of his time to building new perches and toys for Rocky to continue to provide him with the stimulation he requires as an advanced species of bird.”
Pinnacles condors dodge drone Barry Holtzclaw Managing Editor
As if poisoning from agricultural pesticides and lead from hunters’ shotgun
shells weren’t enough, now the tiny population of California condors in Pinnacles National Park has to worry about drones. Yes, drones. Hikers had notified park rangers late last month that they saw a man “chasing condors with a drone,” apparently trying to get photos of the endangered species. The amateur photographer
apparently was taking advantage of drastically reduced ranger patrols at the park during the 35-day federal government shutdown. Because of the delay in the reporting and reduced staffing, rangers at Pinnacles Park were unable to find the drone operator, said a park spokesperson. ➝ Condors, 4
Courtesy of Pinnacles National Park
PARK RANGERS DON’T CATCH AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER THREATENING RARE BIRDS
SPREADING WINGS California condor
at Pinnacles National Park.