San Benito County
Heart of the Diablo Range
When outsiders came to mine rivers, dump waste, and carve up farmland for sprawling subdivisions, the people of San Benito County pushed back—and won.
At the heart of their fight lies the Diablo Range: a wide-open space five times the size of Yosemite. It’s one of California's top three biodiversity hot spots—a haven for elk, condors, pronghorn, roadrunners, horned lizards, and mountain lions. Still largely hidden from public view, the Diablo Range is fast becoming California’s next big conservation story.
In this 18-minute film, a farmworker, a student, teachers, and a conservationist share how a small community took a stand—and made history.
Originally created ahead of the 2024 election, this updated 2025 version celebrates a landmark victory for the land and the people who love it.
Featuring
Seth Adams, Andy Hsia-Coron, Mary Hsia-Coron, Fallon Greig, Ramon Mentor, Maureen Nelson, Annette Perez, Larry Rebecchi, Bella Rosales, Samuel Ramos, Elvia Skow
Produced by SAVE MOUNT DIABLO in partnership with PROTECT SAN BENITO. Photos by Scott Hein, Cooper Ogden, Joan and Bruce Hamilton. Music by Phil Heywood. Maps by Charles Clancy. Writing, editing, and production by Joan Hamilton.
Kit Foxes. Photo by Scott Hein