Community

Prior to opening La Patrona Comida Mexicana, Kevin Aldana was like most people struggling to get a job during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in his market.  The 27-year-old Hollister resident had graduated from UC Davis with a degree in sociology with an emphasis in law...

Red Cross needs help to avert a blood shortage After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood...

After Morgan Hill resident Kristina Andrews lost her daughter, Kourtney, to a drowning accident about six years ago, the local mother knew she wanted to do something to help prevent other families from suffering similar tragedies.  The desire to make a difference continued to grow...

A local man was recently sentenced to serve time in the San Benito County Jail for intentionally harming a neighbor’s dog while impaired by methamphetamine use, according to authorities. Walter Monzon was sentenced on July 13 on a felony charge of cruelty to an animal,...

On a recent July afternoon, Calaveras School buzzed with activity and enthusiasm. In one classroom, students made and played songs on iPads under Andrew Iriarte’s instruction. The instructor explained how they can use GarageBand to play piano, drums and guitar to record songs—and he mentioned...

San Benito County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) this week announced the launch of a new program, in partnership with Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, to expand buprenorphine distribution by emergency responders to reduce opioid overdoses. Buprenorphine is a medication that helps reduce opioid withdrawal and...

While I appreciate whenever an elected official takes the time to communicate with the public, especially of our San Benito Health Care District, the public should take offense at the letter from board president Jeri Hernandez, recently published (July 14) by the Hollister Free...

San Benito County and its people, places and institutions could soon be showcased worldwide on the silver screen after local actor, director and producer Nico Quijano and his crew finish up production on the upcoming feature film, “Ranger.”  Quijano, who is originally from the Bronx,...

The Hollister Downtown Association hosted the 36th annual Street Festival and Car Show on July 15, registering 276 vehicles and bringing crowds of excited car enthusiasts to San Benito Street.  “This year we remember and honor our beloved North Stage Entertainment Manager, Dennis Osorio, who...

A bicyclist was killed July 18 when a tree branch fell on her in Gilroy, the California Highway Patrol said.  The 65-year-old woman was traveling southbound on Roop Road north of Leavesley Road at an unknown speed when a large tree branch broke off and...