Community

With the 10-year anniversary of Measure J’s victory fast approaching, I write this letter to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to all of those who stood up against Big Oil.  I owe an especially large debt of gratitude to all of the former members of...

The number of reported hate crimes in California decreased slightly from 2022 to 2023, but those against Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ+ people rose over the same period, according to the annual hate crime report from California Attorney General Rob Bonta.  The number of hate crimes...

The 90th San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo treated crowds to traditional competition events, performances, exhibitions, demonstrations and vendors at the fairgrounds in Tres Pinos June 28-30.  Participants from youth to seniors competed in barrel racing, bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, mutton...

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the 2024-25 budget into law on June 29, solidifying $16 billion in cuts and other moves that closed a $46.8 billion deficit.  The budget is $297.5 billion, with $211.5 billion committed from the general fund. It maintains $22.5 billion in reserve...

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an agreement June 27 making personal financial literacy a required course to graduate high school in California, according to a news release from the governor's office. “We need to help Californians prepare for their financial futures as early as possible. Saving...

The first major heat wave of the year is hitting the Bay Area as of Tuesday afternoon. Most of the Bay Area and neighboring counties are under National Weather Service-issued heat advisories or excessive heat warnings, as temperatures are expected to top 110 degrees inland...

It’s important to clarify misinformation about the City of Hollister suddenly giving notice to terminate fire service contracts with the county and San Juan Bautista. Here are the facts:  Above all, the City of Hollister presented the current contract to the county and San Juan...

Espinosa on medical leave San Benito County Administrative Officer Ray Espinosa is currently out on a medical leave of absence, according to a press release from the county. Earlier this year, Espinosa had considered retiring due to his health issue, but his situation has “evolved.”  During...

The Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County announced this week that Renee Wells is retiring from her position as Executive Director of the EDC. Wells’ last official day will be June 28.  Wells has served as the EDC’s executive...

Gary Byrne, the longtime CEO of the Community Foundation for San Benito County, has stepped down from his role with the local nonprofit organization, the Community Foundation announced this week.  Byrne’s decision comes with a mix of emotions for the local organization, which bids farewell...