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San Benito County Parks & Recreation Articles



Image caption: Kindergartners during recess at Redwood Heights Elementary School in Oakland.
Our Students Need More Recess

More frequent outdoor breaks can improve student attention, reduce behavior problems. Over the last decade, a growing list of U.S. states—including Missouri, Florida and New Jersey—have mandated daily recess. California joined the trend in late 2023.

Image caption: Sign up for a free spin through the Capitol Building and its gardens.
20 Free Things to Do in Sacramento County

Home to the state capital, Sacramento County offers many amusements for visitors and locals alike. But only some require no cash outlay.

Image caption: The Baldwin Hills area in South Los Angeles is one region where a state conservancy would keep open land accessible to the public.
California’s 10 State Conservancies: How They Protect Parks and Open Land

How California’s 10 state conservancies buy up open land and shield it from developers to preserve the natural environment for public use.

Image caption: Conservation director Bryan Largay helps the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County choose its priorities.
A Conversation with California Conservationist Bryan Largay

The conservation director of Land Trust of Santa Cruz talks about the highlights of his work, and some of the issues he sees in maintaining California’s parks.

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Parking lots to remain closed at Las Animas Veterans Park, for now

Residents who live near Las Animas Veterans Park say illicit activities in the area have decreased since city officials shut down two of its parking lots months ago. However, others, including members of the Gilroy Tennis Club, say the closure …

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Santa Clara County Parks open for free on July 29

Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation will host a special Free Entrance Day on July 29 “as a token of gratitude to the community for entrusting the department with the stewardship and recreation of over 52,000 acres of beautiful parkland …

Image caption: The California Constitution was written, in English and Spanish, at Colton Hall, at the time the largest municipal building west of the Rockies.
Hidden History in the Birthplace of California

Pam Marino of Monterey County Weekly reports that the city government there is grappling with a unique problem: How to provide access to the places that make Monterey “the most historic city in California.”

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Land trusts join forces to protect Nyland property

A collaboration of area land trusts recently secured permanent conservation rights for the historic 540-acre Nyland property in San Benito County. The Trust for Public Land, the San Benito Agricultural Land Trust, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Gilroy City Council finalizes no-camping ordinance approval

The Gilroy City Council on June 19 finalized its approval of an ordinance that prohibits camping near schools, in Uvas Creek and other public right-of-ways. The ordinance passed at the council’s June 5 meeting, and was placed in the consent …

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Gilroy City Council passes ban on public camping

The Gilroy City Council approved an ordinance on June 5 that would prohibit camping near schools, in Uvas Creek and other public right-of-ways. However, some members of the public who spoke during the meeting said such a decision could put …

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Guest View, Zach Hilton: Biking for a vibrant city

Whose town has the true Pedal Power? Meaning, the most people with wind in their hair, and with wheels turning. With young people and adults rolling in the open air. Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition invited cities across San Mateo and …

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Conservationists purchase 1,986-acre ranch in Morgan Hill

A regional land preservation organization recently purchased a 1,986-acre ranch in west Morgan Hill, pledging to permanently protect the property that includes sweeping views and critical wildlife crossings, as well as homes for native and endangered species.  The Peninsula Open …

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City will not host 2023 motorcycle rally

Following a recent city council discussion, it is increasingly likely that the Fourth of July motorcycle rally will not return to Hollister for 2023. The council on March 6 discussed the possibility of bringing the rally back to the downtown …

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Gilroy Gardens opens March 25 with new event

The 2023 season at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park will get off to a colorful start in March with a new event: the Fantastical Flowers Spring Celebration. This two-month event will feature brightly colored blossoms, larger-than-life silk sculptures, and floral-themed …

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BLM Central Coast seeks public input on off-highway vehicle trails

Information provided by the Bureau of Land Management Central Coast The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office wants to hear from the public on how to ensure off-highway vehicle trails are safe and well maintained on public lands …

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Residents can cash in on free state park admission

A swipe of a library card is enough for Californians to venture into the great outdoors for free. On Jan. 31, California State Parks representatives encouraged Californians to take advantage of multiple ways to visit state parks for free, including …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Gilroy gets $4.5M for park, trail work

Gilroy will receive $4.5 million for two recreational projects after President Joe Biden signed a $1.7 trillion federal government spending package Dec. 29. A total of $3 million will go toward renovations at San Ysidro Park, while $1.5 million will …

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Enjoy fall activities at Hollister Hills SVRA

With the arrival of fall comes a complete season of fun, safe, family friendly events at Hollister Hill State Vehicular Recreation Area. The park’s main entrance is located at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister.  Activities at Hollister Hills scheduled for …

Featured

There are more than 300 community service districts in California.
Community Services Districts, Explained
Areas that the county overlooks can form their own local governments.
The Baldwin Hills area in South Los Angeles is one region where a state conservancy would keep open land accessible to the public.
California’s 10 State Conservancies: How They Protect Parks and Open Land
Starting in 1976, the legislature began creating agencies to buy up open land, and keep it open.
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