Celebrate Inauguration Day
HOLLISTER
– The San Benito County Democratic Central Committee will hold a
no-host dinner to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect
Barack Obama Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Paine’s beginning at 6 p.m. Events
include watching the inauguration on television as well as a silent
auction. For more information or
to reserve space, call 1-888-740-4432.
Expect traffic delays
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – Road construction on Highway 156 and the San Juan-Salinas Grade is expected to result in traffic delays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 19 to Jan. 23, according to a Caltrans official.
Climbing routes close
PAICINES – Measures to protect nesting raptors at Pinnacles National Monument went back into effect Jan. 15, according to park Superintendent Eric Brunnemann.
Climbers and hikers are asked to avoid several sensitive areas through the nesting season.
Last year five pairs of prairie falcons produced a total of 12 fledglings. The monument also recorded successful nesting by peregrine falcons, American kestrels, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles. Park researchers will continue to monitor raptors to better understand them.
“We ask you to refrain from any off-trail hiking and climbing in sensitive areas which include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, Machete Ridge, Citadel, Little Pinnacles, Pipsqueak Pinnacles, Gargoyle/Piedras Bonitas, Frog/Hand, Egg Rock/Teapot Dome, Goat Rock, Resurrection Wall and the Scout Peak area,” Brunnemann said. “Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is.”
Specific locations of sensitive areas are posted on information boards at trailheads, at the visitor center and on the Web at www.nps.gov/pinn. Updates and information also are available by calling 389-4485.
For more information on the raptor monitoring program, call 389-4486, ext. 270.
Free e-waste recycling
HOLLISTER – Residents may drop off electronic waste for free at the San Benito County Fairgrounds, 9000 Airline Hwy. in Tres Pinos, on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
E-waste is no longer accepted at the landfill and there are no limits to how many items can be brought to recycle at the free event at the fairgrounds. Broken or working recyclables will be accepted, including televisions, laptops, computer towers, printers, PDA’s, DVD players, copy machines, microwave ovens, fax machines, calculators, keyboards, stereo systems, speakers, computer mice, telephones, cell phones and VCRs. For more information, call 628-3421.
Friends of the Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library will hold book sales on Saturday, Jan. 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to noon in the book shed behind the San Benito County Library and the Historical Society building on Fifth and West streets.
Books are available for $2 per bag. Donations of new or used books or videos are welcomed. For more information, call 636-4107.
Celebrate Inauguration Day
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Democratic Central Committee will hold a no-host dinner to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Paine’s beginning at 6 p.m. Events include watching the inauguration on television as well as a silent auction. For more information or to reserve space, call 1-888-740-4432.
Community input needed
HOLLISTER – The city Planning Commission is soliciting feedback about a downtown Strategic Plan commissioned by the Hollister Downtown Association.
Commissioners are tentatively set to review feedback and comments at a meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at City Hall.
The plan was assembled by the consulting firm RBF after a series of community events. It calls for an updated streetscape, more places for public assembly, gateway signage and a mix of office, retail and housing in the downtown area.
The plan is available for review on the Hollister Downtown Association Web site at www.downtownhollister.org.
Call for artists
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Arts Council has extended the deadline for applications to participate in the 2009 Open Studios Tour to Friday, Jan. 23. The tour is open to all San Benito County artists working in any media. Applications are available online at www.sanbenitoarts.org or by calling 636-2787. A $5 entry fee is required.
Stage Company holds Choice Awards
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company will host its annual member’s Choice Awards and a 10th anniversary celebration Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Granada Theater, 336 Fifth St. Complimentary refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. The public is invited to help honor those who made the 2008 productions possible as well as celebrate the groups first 10 years. To RSVP or for more information, call 638-1542.
Global Belly Laugh Day
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Laughter Yoga Club will celebrate Global Belly Laugh Day on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Vista Park Hill. The group will begin gathering at 1 p.m. to warm up with stretches and breathing exercises and will engage in one minute of laughter at 1:24 p.m. to celebrate healing and peace through laughter.
For more information, call Robin Pollard by e-mail at ju**********@ju**.com or by phone at 637-0949.
Free movie night
HOLLISTER – The documentary “Sicko” is the featured film during a free movie night Wednesday, Jan. 28 beginning at 7 p.m. at the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St. Coffee and desserts will be served. This event is being sponsored by the San Benito County Democratic Central Committee and Hollister People for Peace. For more information, call 637-6445 or 630-1059.
Off-highway vehicle group plans meeting in Visalia
VISALIA – The Bureau of Land Management Central California Resource Advisory Council Off-Highway Vehicle Subcommittee will meet Jan. 24 at the Tulare County Office of Education Board Room, 2637 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia.
The meeting will run from 10 a.m. to noon. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting. The subcommittee will conduct organizational business and discuss OHV issues for the subcommittee to address.
Depending on weather, a tour of the Tulare Off-Road Vehicle Park, 2300 W. Paige Ave. Tulare, may follow the meeting.
The twelve-member advisory council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of public land issues associated with public land management in Central California. The RAC approved formation of an OHV Subcommittee in April 2007. Steve Koretoff, Kerman, is the subcommittee chair.
For more information contact David Christy, BLM public affairs, at 916-985-4474.
Blood drive in SBC
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will be sponsoring a blood drive Thursday, Feb. 5 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church Hall, 1670 Cienega Road, in Hollister.
To sign up for an appointment to donate, call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) or go to www.BeADonor.com and enter Hollister as the code. To find other blood drives scheduled in the region, visit www.BeADonor.com.
