Lights On Celebration
The Hollister Downtown Association invites you to attend its 24th Annual Lights On Celebration on Saturday. This family-friendly community event brings up to 10,000 people to downtown. This year’s parade theme is “The Magic of Christmas!” and will be led by Jaime the Elf. The celebration continues to be a day-long event with the Holiday Boutique open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., the return of the car show from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (entry fee is a new, unwrapped toy), and the parade at 5:30 p.m. Continuing are the traditional lights in the trees, bright red bows on lighted wreaths and local community entertainment. If you would like an application to participate in the parade or car show, as a vendor in the boutique, as a sponsor or submit an Act of Kindness to Jaime, please visit our web site: http://www.downtownhollister.org/lightson.php
Airmen’s holiday party
The Hollister Airmen’s Association invites the community to its popular, annual holiday party at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Paine’s Restaurant. Enjoy aviation-themed events including a silent auction, gift exchange (if you wish), dinner and more. Paid reservations for $23 each must be received by Nov. 29 to the association, 1430 Albright Drive, Hollister, 95023. For further details, call Ruth at (831) 637-0987.
Silva-Reyna book signing
Author Elayne Silva-Reyna is signing her illustrated book – “WOLF DREAMER of the LONGEST NIGHT MOON” – from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. December 6, according to an announcement from the author. It will be held in Reyna’s American Indian Art Gallery-Shop at the Bear Flag Gallery, 207 Third St., in San Juan Bautista. For information, call (831) 623-4285. The introductory discount price is $20 and includes tax. She also will be at the Luck Library at 11 a.m. Jan. 28.
Wapple House historical meeting
The next general meeting of the Historical Society on Dec. 3 will be held at the Wapple residence at 498 Fifth St. George and Gertrude Wapple will greet guests beginning at 6:30 p.m. The couple will share some of their family milestones while raising their daughter Georgia here in Hollister. Refreshments will be served.
Winter Magic Bazaar
The Hazel Hawkins Auxiliary’s 36th annual Winter Magic Bazaar and Luncheon is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Veterans Memorial Building. There will be a raffle, craft vendors, thrift items, Christmas greenery and lunch.
Breakfast with Santa
A “Breakfast with Santa” event is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at Sacred Heart School’s gym. It is hosted by the Hollister Firefighters Association and the Sacred Heart Men’s Club. Tickets are $5 for kids and $10 for adults with $10 pictures with Santa. Tickets are available at Sacred Heart or Fire Station No. 1.
Dominguez fundraising
San Benito High School’s Associated Student Body selects a beneficiary each year and organizes a multi-week drive to bring in the cash. This year, the fundraising goal is $20,000. This year, the beneficiary is Kaylin Dominguez, a 2010 graduate who suffered a seizure in April that caused her to go into cardiac arrest four times and left her with an anoxic brain injury. Students hope to raise the majority of the money in time for the Benefit Ball on Dec. 12, when they’ll award a check to Dominguez’s family. To make a donation, write a check payable to San Benito High School and specify that the money is for Kaylin Dominguez in the memo. Checks can be dropped off with Lemos in room 352 or in the Student Activities Office in room 351.
Dream Catcher
The San Benito County Community Services and Workforce Development Department announces that it has received funding to assist children and youth enroll in enrichment activities including recreation, sports, tutoring, music, art programs and after school activities. The Dream Catcher program will provide scholarships to low-income children and youth to participate in enrichment activities. Children will have access to this program through referrals from probation, school personnel, City of Hollister Recreation, YMCA, Youth Alliance as well as direct application by parents. The program will offer over 200 scholarships to low-income families that qualify based on family size and income. The program will run through May 2015 or as soon as funds are depleted. Interested families and individuals may call Laura Schipper at the America’s Job Center of California at (831) 637-JOBS (5627) to schedule an eligibility appointment or for more information.
Cannella names chief of staff
State Sen. Anthony Cannella on Monday announced the appointment of a new chief of staff. Cannella, R-Ceres, announcing the appointment, effective Dec. 1. In the statement, Cannella’s office released the following: State Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) today announced hiring Brett Michelin as his new chief of staff. Michelin’s first day is December 1. “As I begin my second term, I’m extremely happy to have someone with Brett’s vast and diverse experience on my team,” said Cannella. “His strong leadership and advisory abilities will be incredibly helpful for me and my staff for the next four years, and I am confident his strong record of working in both public policy and state government will be invaluable to the 12th Senate District.” Michelin is a Capitol veteran with more than 20 years of experience in California public policy and politics. He has served in various staff positions for four state assembly members, including former Assemblyman George House (R-Hughson). Michelin also served as chief of staff in the state senate from 2002 to 2004. After, he became a legislative advocate for the California Medical Association (CMA), one of the largest professional trade associations in the state.
CHP maximum enforcement
The California Highway Patrol is warning drivers about a “maximum enforcement period” over the Thanksgiving weekend. The following is the statement released by the CHP on Nov. 21: The extended Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. This raises the risk of a potentially serious or even deadly traffic collision. As families and friends gather for the holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wants to encourage travelers to always buckle up, avoid driving distracted, obey the posted speed limit, and never drink and drive. Thanksgiving is a Maximum Enforcement Period for the CHP. The Thanksgiving holiday reporting period begins Wednesday, November 26, at 6 p.m. and runs through Sunday, November 30, at 11:59 p.m.
Community Christmas Concert
The 5th annual Community Christmas Concert, a free event, is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the San Benito High School Auditorium, 1220 Monterey St.
‘Very Merry Toy Drive’
Mars Hill Coffeehouse presents the event featuring Zachary Freitas, Layla, The Valko Brothers and Kaleb Askew. It is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and includes a toy drive.
