Today, San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval provides a transparency update on VARCO’s dealings, announcing the release of a detailed timeline.
This move reflects Sandoval’s ongoing commitment to transparency and justifying the actions of city leadership. As the head of the Economic Development Department, Sandoval has continued to investigate the repeated failures in the development of Resaca Village by VARCO, the former developer terminated from the project.
Following recent unsubstantiated allegations sent to police, the news, and social media that circulated misleading “reports,” it’s crucial for the community to
hear both sides of the story—and, most importantly, the truth about the VARCO deal.
Official records reveal the following timeline of events:
- April 4, 2023: The City of San Benito issued a building permit to proceed with the next phase of the Resaca Village project.
- August 18, 2023: VARCO was served with a notice of breach of contract for failing to meet its obligations under the agreement with San Benito.
- October 4, 2023: VARCO’s building permit expired.
- October 2023: Fred Sandoval was hired as City Manager of San Benito.
- March 26, 2024: A notice of default was issued due to VARCO's failure to restart construction and comply with the terms of the agreement.
- April 18, 2024: After continued delays and unfulfilled obligations, San Benito city leaders and the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board of directors terminated VARCO’s involvement in the project.
- April 25, 2024: VARCO attempted to use an expired building permit despite being terminated.
- August 16, 2024: Contractors working at the Resaca Village project illegally tapped into the city’s water supply without authorization, using water without payment for their construction activities.
- August 19, 2024: A "Stop Work" order was issued by the city after the unlawful water connection was discovered, following standard procedures for any development.
- January 16, 2025: VARCO’s contractors applied for a new building permit with the City of San Benito.
- January 30, 2025: The new permit application was denied due to ordinance requirements, in accordance with the standard procedures followed for all developments.
The waterfront land in question continues to be owned by the San Benito Economic Development Corporation (EDC).