The battle continues for naming rights related to the newly minted Pinnacles National Park.
After Soledad recently designated itself as the “Gateway to Pinnacles National Park” in a branding campaign, officials in San Benito County are exploring the possibility of renaming Highway 25 to “Pinnacles National Park Highway.”
Legislation spearheaded by Congressman Sam Farr and Sen. Barbara Boxer changed Pinnacles National Monument to Pinnacles National Park, with a dedication ceremony held in February. It has sparked a renewed effort to promote the area and reap benefits to the local economies.
The park’s west entrance is in Soledad, while Hollister and Highway 25 lead into the east entrance located in San Benito County.
Hollister council members Monday listened to a presentation from Council of San Benito County Governments Executive Director Lisa Rheinheimer. She explained the process it would entail to rename the highway and underscored that the primary challenge would be the necessary address changes along the route.
The idea was initiated out of an Intergovernmental Committee meeting, where three attending residents offered the idea to the elected officials. The Intergovernmental Committee is comprised of elected members from the county and two cities, Hollister and San Juan.Â
Hollister council members Monday directed the COG director to return with more information or a resolution to consider. The city and county would have to OK the change, as would the state.
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