San Benito County tourism panel votes to seek Board workshop on countywide wayfinding signs

The San Benito County Tourism Advisory Committee voted unanimously Jan. 28 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors host a workshop to develop a countywide wayfinding and signage strategy focused on drawing visitors to Pinnacles National Park and other local attractions.

Committee members described three core signage goals: capture visitors passing on major routes, help visitors discover nearby attractions once off the highway, and retain them longer in-county. Chair (Speaker 1) opened the discussion by proposing a combination approach — a centerpiece monument for the Pinnacles and consistent directional signs on major thoroughfares and within towns to point visitors to sites such as San Juan Bautista and downtown Hollister.

Several commissioners and the remote participant Christian emphasized starting broad and then phasing implementation: Phase 1 would target the “big” attractions and major routes; later phases would add more detailed local wayfinding. Unidentified Commissioner (Speaker 4) recommended information about cost estimates and design options be presented to the committee, and suggested the committee consider hiring a consultant, partnering with the Arts Council, or convening a stakeholder group.

Irene Davis of Visit San Benito County told the committee that a passed tourism improvement district could include a budget line for wayfinding signage and volunteered the organization’s willingness to participate in planning and outreach.

On timing, committee members discussed placing a workshop item on a near-term Board agenda (possible late February or early March, subject to board deadlines). Chair asked supervisors and staff to prepare a concise staff report with objectives for the workshop and to invite business and nonprofit stakeholders, including the chamber and Visit San Benito County.

The committee moved to recommend the workshop to the Board of Supervisors and approved the motion by roll-call vote 4–0. The motion passed; the committee expects follow-up at future tourism meetings after the Board responds.

The next steps identified were: staff and the chair to draft a one-page board item that outlines objectives (monument concept, consistent signage, locations, funding options, and stakeholder invitations), identify potential invitees for the workshop, and gather model examples from counties that have implemented similar wayfinding systems. The committee did not yet commit to specific funding sources or a vendor; those details were left for the workshop and subsequent planning.