San Benito County Transportation Digest

As Hollister continues to grow, the need to facilitate better traffic circulation increases as well, and Hollister’s draft 2040 General Plan, a local government’s blueprint for growth, describes what may be required.

As the industry invests $40 billion in new US electric car plants, the rapid transformation raises labor and supply chain issues. Automaker Ford says, “we’re all in.”

Restoration on curve alignment along State Route 25 began April 27. Travelers will encounter a daytime lane closure in each direction of State Route 25 over the next several months from north of the San Benito Lateral to State Route 146 near Pinnacles National Park.

A bipartisan congressional group from Nevada and California is asking the Biden administration to fast-track federal funds for a private company to build a high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.

Politicians must contend with a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, but they also face demands from leaders of vital health care and transit services for more money to solve their fiscal woes.

Up to 60% of 2030 models and two-thirds of 2032 models sold nationwide would be zero-emissions—less aggressive than California’s mandate.

Transit agencies in California are struggling to avoid a “fiscal cliff”—and to persuade riders to return after the COVID pandemic. Advocates and legislators are seeking more state aid, but there are no simple solutions.

The previous Hollister City Council approved over $1 million for traffic calming on two of 50 roads studied. Mayor Mia Casey, who was not on the council that approved the projects, was determined to stop spending money spending money and angering residents.

Caltrans is engaging with the public on the sculptural concept to be installed at Hwy 25 and Meridian Street. Titled “Woven,” the geometric sculpture interlaces painted aluminum panels.

State Farm insures more drivers than any other company operating in California. Those 3.7 million drivers will see an average annual boost of $71 per policy, an increase of 6.9%, said Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica-based advocacy group.

Communities with high concentrations of electric cars are affluent, college-educated and at least 75% white and Asian—revealing a barrier to electrifying the state’s entire fleet.

A court ruling that upheld much of a 2020 gig-worker initiative also struck down a part that labor advocates say could lead to legislation for driver unionization.

While work continues on the Fresno County side of 198, crews have located portions of in Monterey County that will need to be repaired. The target date for reopening is early May 2023.

The latest report from the California High-Speed Rail Authority projects costs for the initial segment at $35 billion, which exceeds secured funding by $10 billion. Other segments are likely to see higher projected costs.

Public transit is a lifeline for low-income Californians, and the key to realizing reduced carbon emissions. But the state’s major public transit agencies are facing myriad issues and are looking to state lawmakers for a solution.

On Jan. 31, the San Juan Bautista City Council approved a bond for its wastewater project, filled vacancies on the Planning Commission and reviewed its transportation and connectivity plan.

The Hollister City Council is considering changes to its rules on parking recreational vehicles, which prohibit parking on city streets and driveways.

Nestled in San Benito County’s rural expanse between Highways 5 and 25 lies a route traveled by a small populace and the bold few who seek New Idria’s decommissioned mercury mine.

At the Aromas Grange on Dec. 17, San Benito County Resource Management Agency interim Director Steve Loupe met with residents of the town to hear their concerns about the completed Carr Avenue and Anzar Road repaving project.

The law was prompted by an audit revealing that up to 35,000 parking placards in use were in the names of deceased people.

The Hollister City Council voted unanimously Nov. 21 to add a new section, 9.09, “Use and Trespassing Upon City Parking Lots and Garages,” to Title 9 of the City Municipal Code.

At the Aug. 18 meeting of the Council of San Benito County Governments, directors listened to updates on Caltrans projects—one in Hollister and two in San Juan Bautista—that seek to beautify the towns through public art installations and upgraded scenery.

The next phase of the Betabel Road project, located at 9641 Betabel Road along Hwy 101, is that the draft environmental impact report for the Commercial Development Use Permit began its 45-day public review period on July 22 and will end Sept. 6.

The Hollister City Council voted Aug. 1 to authorize changing the name of a portion of Union Road to Cesar Chavez Way. The road will be dedicated Aug. 13, said Brett Miller, city manager.

According to a recent report from Energy Innovation Policy and Technology, in many states, electric cars are cheaper to buy than traditional gas cars.

Technology developer ZeroAvia has purchased a 19-seat Dornier 228 aircraft that will help turn its facility at the Hollister Municipal Airport into a hub for zero-emission aircraft engines. Company founder Val Miftakhov chose the airport as one of three research facilities because of a perfect combination of factors.

Caltrans projects in Santa Cruz and Pacheco Pass will reconnect habitats and reduce animal-vehicle collisions. An underpass on Hwy. 17 will allow wildlife to reach Star Creek Ranch near highways 129 and 101. A planned tunnel under 101 will allow animals to reach more than 2,670 acres of open space.

San Juan Bautista’s First Street roundabout is nearing completion, according to City Manager Don Reynolds. It is intended to help regulate traffic entering and exiting the Meritage Homes Rancho Vista subdivision at Lavagnino Drive.

Backers of California’s High Speed Rail project haven’t had much to celebrate, given soaring costs and scaled-back service, but a new poll shows a solid majority of voters still want to move forward and finish the job.

Gov. Gavin Newsom released a proposal to help Californians dealing with high gas prices, while also lowering the cost of public transit. Under the $11 billion proposal, California car owners would get a debit card worth $400 for each car (a limit of two vehicles, but no income cap).

The Biden administration will allow California to set its own rules on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks, rebuffing a Trump-era decision.

The San Benito County Local Transportation Authority will hold a County Express community meeting on March 15 at 6 p.m. over Zoom asking residents for input on draft public transit improvements.