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Graphic which spells out The Newsletter.

By Chris Neklason
Published Apr 28, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom joined CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel last week to announce that, as peak fire season approaches, California is adding a second C-130 airtanker to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet. Gov. Gavin Newsom joined CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel last week to announce that, as peak fire season approaches, California is adding a second C-130 airtanker to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet.

The News: April 28, 2025

The Headline: CALocal Forks ‘The Newsletter’

We have noted that the stack of information we send out every Monday in our weekly edition of The Newsletter has grown. Starting now, instead of distributing one really big collection of carefully curated information per week, we’re going to send you two pretty big collections. 

Below as always find a News Digest drawn from trusted sources in your neighborhood; a profile of a local nonprofit; Announcements from your elected public servants and other government entities; and yes! A recipe! On Thursday, look for Explainers and other original content from California Local.

The Throughline: Scanning the news in the ten counties we currently serve, our friend and CEO Chris Neklason often notices that a theme emerges. It might be because it’s tax time or Grand Jury season or flu season. This week, as you scan the Digest localized for your county, you are likely to find news about work being done to prepare for fire season. Scroll to learn more.

Recipe of the Week

Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.

See more recipes in their Taste Spring! cookbook.

Healthy spring salad is packed with antioxidants

This pretty spring salad is loaded with nutrition from blueberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts and other vegetables.
New! Blueberry spinach salad with honey-Dijon vinaigrette

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San Benito County's Homepage
Our overview page for San Benito County is updated daily with the latest state and local news, weather alerts, local government announcements and local blog posts and news snippets from community groups and individuals.
Direct your browser to sanbenito.californialocal.com to catch up on the latest news in California and San Benito County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!

Get to Know a Group

Ecology Action logo Ecology Action

Ecology Action states its mission concisely: “Reduce emissions.” The nonprofit group advocates for innovative energy, water, and transportation solutions in communities across California.

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From Our Media Allies

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Benito Link logo It’s Fentanyl Awareness Day. Do You Know Where the Naloxone Is?

Little metal stands, reminiscent of newspaper boxes or Little Free Libraries, have been stationed across San Benito County. There’s one just outside the San Juan Library, one inside the Community Food Bank, and a few carefully placed around downtown Hollister. …
Benito Link logo ‘Porch Day’ Previews With a Monthly ‘Porch Sounds’ Series

San Juan Bautista has participated in Music on the Porch Day, a worldwide celebration on the last Saturday of August, for the past three years. It's like a musical trick-or-treat: The public walks from house to house in a scheduled …
Benito Link logo Spring Clean-Up and Earth Day Celebration

More than 80 volunteers showed up to pick up trash and sweep Downtown Hollister during The Annual Spring Clean-Up and Earth Day Celebration on April 19 on San Benito Street.
Sacramento News and Review logo California Workforce Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira on Developing a Strong Statewide Workforce

In a recent interview with Sacramento News & Review Publisher Jeff vonKaenel, California Workforce Development Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira shared his vision for workforce development boards and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities they face.

Benito Link logo Supervisors Suspend Fire Service Negotiations Committee

Amid stalled talks, the San Benito County Board of Supervisors suspended its fire services negotiation ad hoc committee and voted to end its participation in a countywide fire district feasibility study.
Benito Link logo County Supervisors to Abandon Plan for Hazel Hawkins Hospital

After more than a year of opposing a lease agreement with the Insight Healthcare Group in its push to keep Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital under local, public control, the San Benito County Board of Supervisors has walked away from its …
Benito Link logo Road Closure Change of Date

Drivers navigating their way to U.S. 101 in Gilroy will see permanent road closures coming in May, as major improvements are made to the historically traffic-plagued highway interchange at U.S. 101 and S.R. 25.
Benito Link logo Community Action Days at SBC Historical Park

A coalition of local, state, and national groups is hosting a pollinator habitat planting community action volunteer event on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, (registration for the event is required).

Benito Link logo Fact Check: The Hollister Guardians ‘People Won’ Flier

A political mailer by the Hollister Guardians group, which has distributed numerous fliers over the past year containing misleading information, was distributed during the week of April 7. The flier includes numerous false and disparaging claims about the previous Hollister …
Gilroy Dispatch logo Gardening for a Cause

The Gilroy Gardening Group held its annual plant sale April 19 at the Miller Red Barn in Christmas Hill Park. Now in its fourth year, the event featured thousands of organic plant starts for $5 each, including heirloom tomatoes, Asian …
Benito Link logo Superior Court to Hold Meeting on Becoming a Civil Grand Juror

The Superior Court of San Bentio County is now seeking applications to become a member of the San Benito County Civil Grand Jury. The civil grand jury is an historic institution and serves an important role in local society. Serving …
Benito Link logo County and San Juan Reject Hollister’s Offer for Fire Protection Services

San Juan Bautista and San Benito County have rejected Hollister’s latest proposal for fire protection services, citing an inability to cover the $3.9 million in shared increased costs.

SanBenitocom logo Photos: Earth Day Opens in Downtown Hollister

Hundreds of people spent the late morning and early afternoon April 19 strolling through downtown Hollister celebrating Earth Day.

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Recent Statewide News

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● Welcome to the First Fire-Resistant Neighborhood. Now What About the Rest of California?
Dixon Trail is the first purpose-built “wildfire resilient neighborhood” in the United States. Making that a reality for the millions of Californians who already live in harm’s way is a daunting and costly challenge that lawmakers are only just beginning to grapple with. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● Judge Restricts Border Patrol in California: ‘You Just Can’t Walk Up to People With Brown Skin’
‘You just can’t walk up to people with brown skin and say give me your papers,’ a federal judge told Border Patrol attorneys at a hearing challenging recent immigration sweeps. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● California Sent Investigators to ICE Facilities. They Found More Detainees, and Health Care Gaps
A California law empowers state investigators to check on conditions at ICE detention centers. A new report raises concerns about health care inside them. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● California Rolls Out Pesticide "Spray Days" Alerts
Residents living near farms can now sign up to be alerted when pesticides will be applied by the a new system recently launched by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Read more.
(04/28/2025) Monterey Herald
● Trump Cuts Millions in California Crime Prevention Grants: ‘This Was a Sledgehammer’
Groups that support California crime victims and attempt to reduce gun violence lost millions of dollars in grants when the Trump administration pulled funding. Read more.
(04/28/2025) CalMatters
● Legislator Introduces Bill to Prohibit Offshore Drilling Along Central, Bay Area Coast
A new bill in Congress proposes banning new offshore fossil fuel drilling along the coast from Monterey to Mendocino County, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, said this week. The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prohibit new exploration, development or production leases for natural gas or oil along the Central Coast, and a portion of the North Coast. Read more.
(04/27/2025) Local News Matters
● How the State Sent Californians’ Personal Health Data to LinkedIn
The state’s health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign. It is reviewing its website practices. Read more.
(04/27/2025) CalMatters
● They Feared a Loved One in a Psychotic Moment. Why California Police Wouldn’t Come
Police agencies — under scrutiny and worried about their own liability — increasingly won’t respond to someone in a mental health crisis unless that person is committing a crime. So who will transport people in psychosis to get help? And who will keep those around them safe? Read more.
(04/27/2025) CalMatters
● Fraud in California Community Colleges Triggers Call for Trump Investigation
Following CalMatters reporting, California’s Republican representatives are calling for the U.S. Department of Education and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate how California’s community colleges are handling financial aid fraud. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● California Railroads: Unions Push to Shorten Trains, but Companies Warn of Higher Costs
Unions are pushing for shorter freight trains to make railways safer, but that could raise the cost of goods and delay passenger rail service. It also may not be legal. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● Biden Let California Get Creative With Medicaid Spending. Trump Is Signaling That May End
California uses Medicaid to pay for a range of nontraditional health care services, including housing. The Trump administration wants to scale back those programs. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● Algae Bloom Killing Animals in California Waters
A huge algae bloom is responsible for the deaths of sea lions, pelicans and whales off the California coast. Read more.
(04/24/2025) The Sacramento Bee
● Cal Fire Unveils New Aircraft
In an April 24 press conference. CalFire unveiled the latest addition to their fleet of firefighting aircraft, a new C-130 Hercules. Read more.
(04/24/2025) The Mercury News
● California is World's Fourth-Largest Economy
The California economy continues to grow, now ranking as the fourth-largest on the planet. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times
● Real ID Deadline Is May 7
You need a Real ID to fly, and the deadline to get one in California is May 7. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times
● CalFire Releases Interactive Urban Tree Canopy Mapping Tool
A new online urban tree canopy mapping tool for California has been released by CalFire. Read more.
(04/23/2025) YubaNet
● Abundance Meets Resistance: Are Democrats Finally Ready to Go All in on Building Housing?
California Senate Housing Committee Chair Aisha Wahab is a staunch progressive who is clashing with pro-development activists and other Democrats who want to build more, faster. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
● How Trump Tariffs Could Upend California Farms, Wine Businesses and Ports
From higher costs to export worries, California’s agricultural and wine industries face many possible tariff effects. But some hope for opportunity. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
● UC  Has Been Enrolling More in-State Students. Proposed State Cuts May Halt That Growth
The UC has grown its enrollment of California undergraduates by 16,000 in the last five years. University officials say they won’t be able to continue that growth if state funding is cut. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (04/28/2025)

Food Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Monkfish Liver - Ankimo
JJWV Marketing Corporation of Santa Fe Springs, California is recalling Ankimo Monkfish Liver because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/28/2025)

Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon Voluntarily Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 28, 2025 - A limited quantity of Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon is voluntarily being recalled because the topping packet may potentially contain an undeclared milk allergen. The product may contain milk that is not declared on the label. 500 units of the sal
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/25/2025)

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6OZ and 4OZ)
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea'au, HI is voluntarily recalling Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6oz and 4oz bags), due to the possible presence of undeclared almonds and cashews.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/25/2025)

My Life Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in ML Natural Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin
April 25, 2025, My Life Inc. of Federal Way, WA is recalling approximately 65 bottles of ML Naturals Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin 300mg. capsules dietary supplement, lot FL2407511L19, expiration date 10/2027, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or seve
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/24/2025)

New England Village Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds in "19th Hole Snack Mix"
New England Village Foods of Milford NH is recalling all lots of 5 -ounce and 10 -ounce containers of New England Village Snacks "19th Hole Snack Mix" because they may contain undeclared almonds. People who have allergies to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if th
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/23/2025)

Robert Rivas CA Assembly 29:
Speaker Robert Rivas Announces New Assembly Actions Targeting Biggest Cost Drivers for Californians
Speaker Robert Rivas Announces New Assembly Actions Targeting Biggest Cost Drivers for Californians vincelty Wed, 04/23/2025 - 16:37 Housing, child care, groceries, and transportation have the largest impact on spending for households. The Speaker is announcing new Assembly committees and priority legislation to protect families and improve affordability. Title Press Secretary Email Cynthia.Moreno@asm.ca.gov Phone 916-319-2029 Wednesday, April 23, 2025 SACRAMENTOIn …
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/18/2025)

Recall Reminder: Gerber Products Company Previously Recalled and Discontinued All Batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks Due To Potential Choking Hazard
On January 31, 2025, Gerber Products Company initiated a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER SOOTHE N CHEW TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/16/2025)

Harvest NYC Inc Recalls Enoki Mushroom Due to Possible Health Risk
Harvest NYC Inc of Brooklyn, NY 11231 is recalling its 200g packages of Enoki Mushroom, because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/14/2025)

Supplement Manufacturing Partner, Inc. Issues Recall on Dorado Nutrition Brand Spermidine Supplement 10mg Vegetable Capsules (Spermidine 3HCL) Due To Undeclared Wheat Allergen
Supplement Manufacturing Partners, Inc. is recalling Dorado Nutrition brand Spermidine Maximum Strength 10 MG per serving, because it contains undeclared wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume thi
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/11/2025)

May Flower International Inc., Issue Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in "Beijing Soybean Paste"
May Flower International Inc of Maspeth, NY, is recalling its 8.82-ounce/250g packages of "Beijing Soybean Paste" food treats because they may contain undeclared wheat. People who have allergies to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.