Community

More than 500 bikers from San Benito County and beyond had their motorcycles blessed by local clergy members at the 30th annual Top Hatters Bike Blessing event April 2 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hollister.  Event chair and longtime Top Hatters member Robert Poelker,...

Five months after declaring a fiscal emergency and predicting that they’d run out of funds by early this year, officials at San Benito County’s only hospital said they have secured enough cash to get through the summer. At least for now, residents there won’t...

SJB art exhibit celebrates iconic Route 66 A new art exhibit, “Painting Route 66: An Artist Road Trip,” will open in San Juan Bautista with a June 21 reception from 5-7pm. The exhibit will remain open to the public through Aug. 10. The exhibit and reception...

Public comment on the San Benito County Draft Economic Development Strategy: Thank you for inviting members of the public to comment on the SBCEDC's Draft Economic Development Strategy. Identity: I have represented small and very small business owners before state and federal courts and agencies on...

It’s hard to find a job fighting climate change, oddly. But the organic farming industry is one place where a person can make a living making a difference.  Food systems account for 20% to 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to data from the...

Hollister band wins first place Over the weekend, the musicians of Hollister High's Scarlet Regiment Marching Band showcased their musical prowess at the prestigious Western Band Association Gilroy Garlic City Classic competition. Dominating in categories of Effect, Music, Visual, and Percussion, the band's performance, entitled...

A May 18 lockdown of Hollister High School was triggered by a glitch in the school’s alarm system that sent out a false alert of a campus emergency, according to law enforcement and school officials.  Police responded to the live report of a potential emergency...

Hollister Police last week sent out a public advisory about a recent nationwide flurry of false threats of violence against students and school staff—including some incidents in San Benito County.  Such false reports, which are often posted and recirculated on social media, are known as...

Hollister’s pitching has been strong all year, while the team’s hitting has been uneven. In this past week’s series against Monte Vista Christian, the offense caught fire as the Balers scored 22 runs in two decisive victories. With nine league games remaining, Hollister is...

Amid fears and recent reports of federal immigration authorities targeting undocumented immigrants in local communities, law enforcement leaders and public officials throughout the South Valley have attempted to reassure their communities that residents are safe from local action.  Sheriffs throughout California have pledged to support...