SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CITY OF HISTORY  On hills surrounding San Juan Bautista the ranching heritage of San Benito County continues today.  San Juan Bautista lies in the San Juan Valley where the excellent quality of the soil still produces fruits, seeds, and organic crops. Declared the  “Potato Capital of the World” during World War II and “The Garlic Capital” during the early 1980’s,  preservation of the agricultural base in the history of San Juan, [official name until Nov. 16, 1905] remains a solid part of the policies of this City since its inception in 1869 by a charter signed by President U.S. Grant.  At one time San Juan boasted a population of over 7,000; today it is 1650.