News

The 33rd Agricultural District board voted this month to shift rights for Bolado Park alcohol sales to the San Benito Heritage Foundation – and away from other nonprofits previously selling at the fair and other events – because of state budget cuts and a need to raise more revenue.

With an estimated 70 percent, or 4,200 of the 6,000 agricultural workers in Santa Clara and San Benito counties lacking proper documentation, proposed state legislation granting all undocumented immigrants the ability to attain a driver’s license has been well-received at the local level.

The San Benito Board of Supervisors earlier this month announced that the county has saved more than $1.1 million in prescription drugs for its residents since the Coast2Coast Rx discount prescription drug program and card were launched in August 2009.

San Jose Opera presents Falstaff: Falstaff plays today, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. at the California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. Details: www.operasj.org

For the first time, the County Express this year is offering free shuttle bus rides to the San Benito County Fair.

Residents can enjoy gourmet pizza, salad and a no-host bar at The Grove Restaurant on Oct. 12 at a fundraiser for Pet Friends. It will include silent auctions, raffle prizes and a life band. Proceeds benefit Pet Friends Adoption Center. The price is $35 per person, $60 for two, or a table of eight for $220. Ticket sales end Oct. 6. Details: (831) 634-1191

The San Benito County Arts Council is inviting residents to come out to Bolado Park for the “Bikers for the Arts” destination run noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is sponsored by the San Benito County Arts Council, Monterey Bay Confederation of Clubs and the Top Hatters Motorcycle Club.

The Northern California Renaissance Faire at Casa de Fruta kicked off its opening weekend on Saturday in medieval fashion, literally.