Newsom signs 10 bills targeting retail theft in CA
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a stack of bills Aug. 16 aimed at curtailing organized retail, property and auto theft in California.
Newsom appeared at a Home Depot in San Jose with state, business and law enforcement officials, signing 10 bills that he said go “to...
San Benito County homelessness up nearly 74%
The Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, in partnership with local governments, community-based organizations, and volunteers, has completed the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count for 2024, says a press release from the coalition. The results indicate an increase in the number of individuals and families experiencing...
A holiday tradition: San Benito Oriana Chorale returns to Mission San Juan Bautista
For many, the San Benito Oriana Chorale’s holiday concerts are the kick-off to the Christmas season.
“It sets the tone for a beautiful Christmas season,” said Director Rachel Romina. “This traditionally is the launching pad of Christmas. It’s going to be phenomenal.”
But for the past...
Hollister baseball winning with pitching and defense
Last year’s Hollister baseball team sparkled in the Central Coast Section Division III playoffs. The eighth-seeded Balers shocked top-seeded Aptos 11-0 and mauled fifth-seeded Pioneer 13-0 on the way to a 3-2 loss in the title game to No. 2 seeded Christopher.
It was Hollister’s...
Hazel Hawkins withdraws notices of potential closure
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital announced March 21 that its leadership staff will withdraw notices previously sent to employees that cautioned of a potential hospital closure and loss of jobs.
The notices are being withdrawn because HHMH has made “significant progress in shoring up its finances”...
Arts Council invites community to upcoming Night Market, Open Studios Tour
Local art for sale at Night Market
The San Benito County Arts Council invites the community to attend their inaugural Open Studios Night Market, taking place 5-8pm April 13 at the Art Depot, 35 Fifth Street in downtown Hollister.
This art-focused Night Market will feature original...
Race marks 100 years of Rotary Club of Hollister
Nearly 1,000 people from all over California ran in the 41st annual Mission 10 Race Jan. 25 in San Juan Bautista. The race also celebrated event sponsor the Rotary Club of Hollister’s 100th anniversary.
The Mission 10 race featured a half marathon, 10-mile, 5K and...
Calera Wine Company stands out with perfect location
This column is probably more along the lines of what many would expect from a wine related column—this one is about a South Valley winery. This winery represents many of the aspects of my past columns, so let’s take a look.
We are fortunate to...
Community Board: Betrayed by the bond
It isn’t a big surprise that San Benito High School District officials are broaching the potential for a second facilities bond. That's because the first one approved in 2014 covered about half of the district’s mega-campus “modernization” master plan that includes more than $80 million in projects that could be funded by the bond and general fund—with about $20 million of it slated for sports-related expenses.
Community Board: Shelter won’t solve all homeless issues
It’s become clear that the homeless population in Hollister is only growing, and local officials are making a big mistake if they believe a new homeless shelter will completely solve the problem.