Community

With sincere gratitude, I reflect on the truly historic “topping off” ceremony that took place on Jan. 17, 2024. The significance of this day marked a symbolic milestone in the construction of Gavilan College’s San Benito campus, as the last steel beam was placed....

Cool in the parks Water features at Valley View and McCarthy Parks in Hollister are now operational every day from 11am-7pm, through Sept. 29.  San Benito County’s 150th Celebrate San Benito County’s sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary on July 27 at the San Benito Historical park. The party...

The city of Hollister has begun work on its Citywide Roadway Improvement Project, which is set to improve and upgrade more than 18 lane miles of local streets and 40 curb ramps, and reconstruct 588 linear feet of sidewalks, according to city staff.  New striping...

The Community Foundation for San Benito County this week announced its board has appointed Kathy Johnson as its interim CEO.  Johnson brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the local foundation, says a press release from the Community Foundation for San Benito...

Investigate Botelho, Strada Verde I am very concerned by recent reports that former Supervisor Anthony Botelho was caught pulling down signs alerting citizens to the negative impact of the proposed Strada Verde development. I understand that there have been no charges against him for those...

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation teamed up with AT&T and Human-I-T to donate 200 laptop computers to the Youth Alliance and their families in Hollister on March 9.  The giveaway was part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, which aims to help address the digital divide...

California lawmakers announced Aug. 1 the introduction of a bill that would create a permanent structure to provide relief for farmers impacted by natural disasters.  The Agricultural Emergency Relief Act aims to streamline the process for seeking and receiving relief.   While Congress has previously provided aid...

Fortino Winery, likely one of the most familiar Santa Clara Valley wineries to local people, reflects the history of winemaking in a region famed for the craft.  Premium wine has been made in the Santa Clara Valley longer than anywhere else in California. Part of...

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 11 signed multiple housing bills aimed at tackling the state’s lack of affordable housing and making it easier for tenants to rent a home in the first place.   Newsom signed a whopping 56 bills into law which he said...

The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has announced initial surface water supply allocations from the Central Valley Project (CVP) for the 2024 water year.  The 2023 water year left most California reservoirs in a good place, after a record-setting winter. While it has been a slow...