In May, the San Benito County Resource Management Agency will host six meetings to present the proposed design process for construction of the Riverview Regional Park and seek input from the community and interested public agencies. For more information regarding the project or meeting details please visit the designated Riverview Regional Park webpage.

The following member commission represents each of the Supervisorial Districts (5), the Veterans Memorial Park Commission (1), the San Benito County Historical Society (1) as follows:

• District 1: Marie Peterson
• District 2: Michelle Conrique
• District 3: VACANCY
• District 4: Mel Tungate
• District 5:VACANCY
• Veterans Memorial Park Commission: Maria Spandri
• Historical Society: Paul Hain
• Email the Commissioners

San Benito County residents and visitors alike value the County’s rural character and family atmosphere. The area is rich in open space, agricultural lands, and hillside vistas, complimented by active neighborhood and community parks within close proximity to residential development. Park maintenance and development is provided by the Public Works Department, in coordination with the County Administrative Office.

San Benito County Offers Two Regional Parks:

• Veterans Memorial Park, providing sports fields, picnic facilities, playgrounds, a skate park, and small community meeting facility, the Bertha Briggs Building.
• Historical Park, offering picnic and barbecue facilities, a playground, and a Historical Village is managed by the San Benito County Historical Society.

The cities of Hollister and San Juan Bautista provide the community with several local community parks, often in partnership with an adjacent a school, providing playgrounds, sports and picnic facilities. Additionally, each city operates a community center, offering meeting space and/or recreation programs.

San Benito County is fortunate to house several fantastic State and National parks, including San Juan Bautista Historical Park, Fremont Peak, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, Pinnacles National Park, are regional destinations with easy access by road, trail, and transit.

We may be contacted at:

San Benito County
Parks and Recreation Commission
481 Fourth Street
Hollister, CA 95023

Contact the Parks and Recreation Commission through the County Administration Office:

831-636-4000
831-636-4010 (Fax)
Email the Commission

Veterans Memorial Park
801 Memorial Drive
Hollister, California
Phone: 831-636-4170

Veterans Memorial Park Clubs:

• Pop Warner
• Babe Ruth
• Hollister Little League
• Hollister Heat
• Hollister Tremors

San Benito County Historical Park
498 Fifth Street
Hollister, CA 95023
831-635-0335
San Benito County Historical Society

San Justo Reservoir (closed indefinitely)
2265 Union Rd
Hollister, CA 95023
831-638-3300

Hollister Hills SVRA
7800 Cienega Road
Hollister, CA 95023
831-637-3874
831-637-4725 (Fax)

Fremont Peak State Park
San Juan Canyon Road (end — 11 miles south of Hwy 156)
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
831-623-4255 (Park Information)
831-623-2465 (Observatory)

San Juan Bautista State Historical Park
Second Street, between Washington and Mariposa Streets
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
831-623-4526

Pinnacles National Park — Bear Gulch Visitor Center
5000 Hwy 146
Paicines, CA 95043
831-389-4485 Ext. 0 (Night Hike Reservations)
831-389-4485 Ext. 235

New General Management Plan

• Public Meetings (Aug. 25,26,27, 2008)
• Online Comments
• New General Management Plan Website

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) — Hollister Field Office
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023
831-630-5000
831-630-5055 (Fax)

• Clear Creek Management Area
• Department of Fish and Game

San Justo Reservoir is closed until further notice.

Due to a Zebra Mussel infestation, the San Justo Reservoir and Recreational Area are closed to the public. This site will be updated soon with additional information.

The following are links to news articles about the closure:

• January 16, 2008 California Department of Fish and Game — News Release
• January 18, 2008 Pinnacle News Article “Tiny mussel a giant threat to state water” (Note: The Reservoir and area are closed to all activity)
• February 22, 2008 Pinnacle News Article “Weather slows mussel hunt”
• April 24, 2008 Hollister Free Lance “County examines options to rid of invasive mollusk”

San Justo Reservoir
2265 Union Road
Hollister CA 95023
831-638-3300

Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Sunday, sunrise to sunset. Park closes for the winter approximately November 1, and reopens approximately February 1.

San Justo Reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Central Valley Project, San Felipe Division. Water in San Justo is from the San Luis Reservoir. Management of water distribution, water systems, and lake levels are under the San Benito County Water District by contract with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation.

San Benito County, by agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is responsible for visitor use activities, recreation, planning facility construction, and overall management of the many aspects of recreation.

The concessionaire will collect fees, provide information and assistance to see that park rules are observed, provide litter control and day-to-day maintenance of the area.

The California Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks the lake with trout.

A California fishing license is required for those fishing and all Fish and Game rules apply. Children under 16 years of age do not need a license but should learn and follow all regulations. Copies of the regulations are provided by the California Department of Fish and Game and are available at the park. Fishing licenses are available at the concession stand.

Boaters must follow all California boating regulations, and use of gas engines is prohibited. All children must wear personal flotation devices and all visitors should follow California boating regulations in respect to type of and proper use of personal flotation devices.

The boat ramp and boat dock are for boaters’ use while entering and leaving the water. Please, no parking, fishing, sunbathing or relaxing from the ramp or dock. Children should be kept out of this area.

The park offers recreation to anglers, boaters, windsurfers, picnickers, and mountain bikers, and can support many other activities.

There are several picnic shelters with barbecues available on a first come, first served basis. Each is easily accessible from the parking area. All shelters are within easy reach of the concession and restroom facilities.

The lake is ideal for small sailboats and windsurfers in the beginning to intermediate range, as well as more experienced surfers who want a more relaxing sail.

Mountain bikers can ride the challenging trails that border the lake. A rest stop is located atop Dad’s Point, midway through the route.

Restrictions on hunting and firearms or other weapons, excessive noise, off-road vehicles and hours of operation are for your protection and area enjoyment. The road surrounding the lake is open to authorized vehicles only.

• Entrance fee: $5.00 per car.
• Bikes, walk-ins, and drop-offs: $2.00
• Water craft or other floating device fee: under 13 feet: $2.00; 13 to 18 feet: $3.00
• Boat size limit: 18 feet.
• Seniors (62 and up) and disabled do not pay boat fee.
• Annual pass for the calendar year may be purchased at the San Benito County Public Works Department, 3220 Southside Road, Hollister CA 95023, 831-636-4170. The cost is $80.00; $65 for Seniors and disabled. Annual pass does not cover the boat fee.
• Youth pass (age 17 and under) issued for calendar year to County residents who have parental consent to enter the park. Youth may be dropped off, ride a bicycle or walk in free of charge. Leaving children under the age of 12 unattended by a supervising adult is prohibited.
• Electric motors only.
• No swimming or wading.
• No camping. RV’s welcome during the day.
• Trash bags and trash barrels provided. Please do not litter.
  
• Beverages and snacks are available at the concession stand.
• Bait and tackle are available at the concession stand.
• Pets are welcome on leash but are not allowed in the water. Please clean up after your pet!
• When the closing horn sounds, please prepare to leave. Park closes at sunset.

Fish	Suggested Bait	Fish and Game Regulations
Trout	Worms, Powerbait, castmaster, roostertails	5 per day; no min. size
Bass	Nightcrawlers, minnows, crawdads, lures, plastics	5 per day; 12″ min. Help preserve bass – consider catch & release
Catfish	Chicken livers, anchovies, nightcrawlers, bottom fished	No size or take limit
Crappie	Redworms, jigs, small lures	25 per day; no min size
Bluegill	Redworms, mealys, small lures	No size or take limit

Historical Park Reservations

Call 831-636-4170 for reservations (4 sections available). If you would like to reserve the entire park, please call for special procedures and fees.

See a map of the Historical Park barbecue sites.

1. A user fee of $50.00, cash only applies for a maximum of 75 people at each shelter.
2. No refund of $50 rental fee due to rain or cancellation of reservation.
3. No live or amplified sound. Excessive noise at any time may be subject to arrest and/or citation as per Section 415(2) of the California Penal Code.
4. Park closes at sunset. Permittee shall ensure that activities cease and everyone leaves the park.
5. Trees, plants, soil, and shelter facilities are to be left clean and undamaged.
6. Permittee must provide a generator for jumping houses. There is currently no electricity available at the Historical Park.

Organizations requesting a shelter for fund raising and/or open to public invitation must abide by the terms below and also provide liability insurance of no less than $1,000,000 and naming San Benito County as additional insured. Please call for details.

For more information or to make a reservation call Yvette Nunes at the Public Works Office. She can be reached via phone at 831-636-4170 or by e-mail at sbcpw@cosb.us or ynunes@cosb.us. 

Call 831-636-4170 for availability and reservations.

Park Address: 1023 Memorial Drive

1. A user fee of $75 and a deposit of $75 (per site, cash only) applies for a maximum of 100 people at each site.
2. Cash, money order, or cashier’s check only for fee and deposit. Upon return of the key, Public Works will submit a Request for Refund to the County Auditor. A check will be mailed directly to the permittee within 14 days.
3. No live or amplified sound (no radios). Excessive noise at any time may be subject to arrest and/or citation as per section 415(2) of the California Penal Code.
4. Lights are turned off at 10:00 p.m. Permittee shall ensure that activities cease, the shelter area is cleaned, and everyone leaves the park.
5. Trees, plants, soil, and shelter facilities are to be left clean and undamaged.
6. No refund of $75.00 rental fee due to rain or cancellation of reservation.
7. Key must be returned no later than Tuesday after the rental or will be subject to a $10.00 fee.
8. Permittee must provide a generator for a jumping house. Inflatables are not to be plugged in to park outlets.
9. Alcohol at Vet’s Park is allowed only in the group shelter areas.

Organizations requesting a shelter for fund raising and/or open to public invitation must abide by the above and provide liability insurance no less than $1,000,000.00 naming San Benito County as additional insured.

For more information or to make a reservation call the Public Works Office at 831-636-4170 or e-mail us at sbcpw@cosb.us. 

Commissioners

• Peter Hernandez- Board of Supervisors 
• Kollin Kosmicki – Board of Supervisors
• Robert Duffy – American Legion
• Paul St. John – San Juan Bautista VFW
• Maria Spandri- Hollister VFW

All regular meeting are held the first Monday in February, May, August, and November beginning at 5:00pm at the San Benito County Board Chambers located at 481 Fourth Street, Hollister CA 95023.

To contact the commission, please call 831-636-4170 or email parkrec@cosb.us or visit our office at 2301 Technology Parkway, Hollister CA 95023.

2016 Meetings

November 7, 2016	Agenda	Minutes
August 1, 2016	Agenda	Minutes
May 2, 2016	Agenda	Minutes
February 1, 2016	Agenda	Minutes
January 14, 2016	Agenda	Minutes

2015 Meetings

November 2, 2015	Agenda	Minutes
August 3, 2015	Agenda	Minutes
May 4, 2015	Agenda	Minutes
February 3, 2015	Agenda	Minutes

2014 Meetings

November 3, 2014	Agenda	Minutes
August 4, 2014	Agenda	Minutes
May 5, 2014	Agenda	Minutes
April 7, 2014	Agenda	Minutes
February 3, 2014	Agenda	Minutes

2013 Meetings

December 9, 2013	Agenda	Minutes
November 4, 2013	Agenda	Minutes
August 4, 2013	Agenda	Minutes
May 6, 2013	Agenda	Minutes
February 4, 2013	Agenda	Minutes

2012 Meetings

November 5, 2012	Agenda	Minutes
August 6, 2012	Agenda	Minutes
June 11, 2012	Agenda	Minutes
May 7, 2012	Agenda	Minutes
February 6, 2012	Agenda	Minutes

2011 Meetings

November 7, 2011	Agenda	Minutes
August 1, 2011	Agenda	Minutes
May 2, 2011	Agenda	Minutes
February 7, 2011	Agenda	Minutes

2010 Meetings

April 5, 2010	Agenda	Minutes
March 1, 2010	Agenda	Minutes
February 1, 2010	Agenda	Minutes
January 4, 2010	Agenda	Minutes

2009 Meetings

December 7, 2009	Agenda	Minutes
November 2, 2009	Agenda	Minutes
October 5, 2009	Agenda	Minutes
August 3, 2009	Agenda	Minutes
July 6, 2009	Agenda	Minutes
June 1, 2009	Agenda	Minutes
May 4, 2009	Agenda	Minutes
April 6, 2009	Agenda	Minutes