The San Benito Blueprint

A Benitoites Guide to Understanding Development

About the Editor

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Hello Everyone!

My name is Ray and I am currently the sole writer/editor for the San Benito Blueprint. I am a former techie and am going back to school for a degree in Geographic Information Systems with the goal of starting a career in land use and transportation. I’ve always had an interest in land use, transportation, and a general curiosity for how cities and towns grow. I’m fortunate enough to be able to step away from my former career and focus on learning the skills needed to be able to give back.

I am also a fairly new resident to San Benito County and currently reside in district 1. When I moved here I noticed how difficult it was to find accurate and real information regarding the development in the area (both transportation and otherwise). It’s through tons of research that I’ve been able to sift through the noise and I’m here to provide a neutral space that is committed to sharing what I’ve been able to learn.

So you may be asking but where does he stand? I am pro smart-growth and anti-sprawl. I’m a bit of an urbanist that believes folks should be able to live, play, work, and get around easily. I believe San Benito County should hone in on resolving the housing/jobs imbalance and, given the state we live in and the housing crisis, I also recognize that we can’t turn our nose to housing either. But we can try to grow in a way that makes life easier for residents and doesn’t cost the community.

I look forward to providing you with real-time news regarding development, clear and concise story-telling, and source backed details on the policies that are shaping our growth today. Look forward to many citations. The focus is to provide a source that you can trust, but this is first and foremost a blog, so opinions may be provided. If my take is provided I’ll make sure to clearly differentiate between what is informational and what is opinion. I’m hoping this can be a source for all no matter your convictions!

Expect to hear more from me in January!

Ray

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Ray

14 responses to “About the Editor”

  1. Carol Lenoir Avatar
    Carol Lenoir

    Happy New Year and good luck with this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Ray Avatar
      Ray

      Happy New Year!

      Like

      Reply
  2. Tim Heavin Avatar
    Tim Heavin

    Love it when I see people taking initiative like this. Keep loving, keep shining 🫶✨

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Ray Avatar
      Ray

      Thanks Tim! You too!

      Like

      Reply
  3. Jacy Avatar
    Jacy

    I look forward to reading the information that you will be discussing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Rosemerry Avatar
    Rosemerry

    Hi Ray!

    Welcome to San Benito County. We are so excited to see your level of passion for land use and transportation. We think you would be a great fit for the Council of San Benito County Governments (SBCOG) Citizens Oversight Committee and there’s an opening for District 1 (your district)! Here’s a link to read more about it and to apply.

    https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/government/clerk-of-the-board-of-supervisors/boards-committees-commissions/vacancies-boards-committees-and-commissions

    We really like your logo too!

    Let us know if you’d like any additional information on the County related topics you’re interested in.

    Sincerely,

    Rosemerry Dere, San Benito County Public Information Officer.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Ray Avatar
      Ray

      Hi Rosemerry! Thank you for reaching out. I’m stoked about this position and was actually just appointed at the last SBCOG meeting! Recently submitted all my forms as well. Really looking forward to it and hope we can chat soon! 🙌🙌

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  5. Carol Mauro Avatar
    Carol Mauro

    Ray,

    Welcome to our community. I look forward to reading your observations, opinions and discovered facts. I’m confident you will bring a much needed breath of fresh air.

    Carol Mauro

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    Yes! The best land use decisions (and best quality of life) occurs when all stakeholders’ perspectives are valued. Looking forward to your insights.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Dave Avatar
    Dave

    Ray,

    I’ve enjoyed your posts on Nextdoor. You are knowledgeable and tend to avoid the nasty drama. I look forward to this blog. Good luck! 👍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Israel Avatar
    Israel

    Ray,

    Welcome to San Benito County and thank you for this website, it will be a very much useful tool for everyone to use.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Bill Baker Avatar
    Bill Baker

    Hi Ray, I follow your site and use it to get updates on roads and projects. Nice job! I am the current president of the Hollister Rotary Club. We meet each week on Monday at noon in the banquet room of Paines. I was wondering if you would like to come to one of our meetings and give a presentation about the road and construction projects in SB County. I think it would be a topic our members would be interested in hearing about. We have about 20-30 members attend our meeting. Here is my contact information: bbaker@bakercadence.com. Cell 408-602-3900, Office 831-637-8988.

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    Reply
  10. princemortally37e092de38 Avatar
    princemortally37e092de38

    Ray,

    I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional work you do each day. Your commitment to delivering accurate, thoughtful, and timely information truly makes a difference in our community. Thank you for your service

    Rene

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    1. Ray Avatar
      Ray

      Thank you! I really appreciate that! – Ray

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