About two months ago, things were looking
”
pretty bleak
”
for the event that has become San Benito County’s social
gathering of the year.
There had been concerns about the Kinship Center Gabilan
Chapter’s annual wine and food-tasting event
– the biggest fundraiser for the local foster-care organization
– and its ability to provide for upgrades recently requested by the
county health department.
County inspectors after checking on permitting for the September
fundraiser at Paicines Ranch decided to require Kinship to provide
enclosed food vending booths instead of the open-air structures
used at prior events.
About two months ago, things were looking “pretty bleak” for the event that has become San Benito County’s social gathering of the year.
There had been concerns about the Kinship Center Gabilan Chapter’s annual wine and food-tasting event – the biggest fundraiser for the local foster-care organization – and its ability to provide for upgrades recently requested by the county health department.
County inspectors after checking on permitting for the September fundraiser at Paicines Ranch decided to require Kinship to provide enclosed food vending booths instead of the open-air structures used at prior events.
“For a while, it looked pretty bleak,” said Supervisor Anthony Botelho, who got involved with the issue when contacted by Kinship leaders. “With food safety, they take it seriously.”
Botelho noted how health department officials had cited state laws requiring enclosed structures for such food service. With his urging, though, the health department went back and found an exemption in the law for nonprofit-driven activities, such as Kinship.
“I know the office did what it could over a period of time,” said Botelho, referring to environmental health. “With a little bit of my hounding, they looked even deeper in some areas (of the law).”
Botelho referred to the Kinship fundraiser as “one of the best social events in San Benito County” and he said the group now can carry on “as they have all these years.”
He also complimented the health department in finding a solution.
“A lot of people are very critical of enforcement agencies like environmental health, and they don’t want to shut people down,” he said.
The auxiliary president, Kay Filice, declined to comment on the health department matter. Officials with the department could not be reached before press time.
This year’s fundraiser is scheduled for September 11 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It is the 54th year for the event that attracts more than 1,000 people annually. For information, call 801-7124.
