Politics

Though the old county hospital site on Southside Road has long been abandoned, supervisors are hoping to turn it into an asset for the community. The building itself, on Southside Road, has fallen into disrepair since it has been empty dating back at least until 2008.

Unlike 2007, an official opposition group is pushing against supporters of an extension to the city’s 1 percent sales tax, and both sides have launched campaigns with starkly contrasting messages to the public.

San Benito County maintained its reputation as a bastion of agriculture again in 2011 when the value of local crops and livestock increased by $8 million over numbers from 2010.

During the Aug. 21 meeting of the county board of supervisors, four residents spoke during the public comment period in which they could comment on items not on the agenda.

Three parties, including the South Valley Islamic Community, have filed an appeal in response to the Santa Clara County planning commission’s decision to approve the Cordoba Center use permit with conditions in San Martin, according to county staff.

Airport Director Mike Chambless believes the sky might be falling for the Hollister Airshow – unless council members schedule a date soon for 2013.

San Benito County supervisors approved two contracts last Tuesday with agencies that will guide the community through the first phase of creating a special district to support parks, recreation and library services.

Registered sex offender and health care district board member Ernest Rivas has declared candidacy for the November ballot in an attempt to gain reelection two years after admitting to a charge that he had sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl.

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors approved additional staff reductions Tuesday that will amount to a savings of $194,840 for the 2012-13 fiscal year while also approving department schedules that will allow some offices to be closed to the public for a portion of the work week.