Community

In the 2022-23 school year, 108 Hollister High School English Learner students were reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) after meeting various linguistic and academic criteria set by the California Department of Education and San Benito High School District, according to district staff.  “This is...

Nearly two decades after Gavilan College purchased property for a new San Benito County campus, officials held a groundbreaking ceremony June 16 at the Fairview Road site.  Plans for the new local community college campus site, which is located at the intersection of Highway 25,...

The 89th annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo is slated to take place this weekend, June 23-25, at Bolado Park in Tres Pinos.  The three-day event features not only traditional rodeo events that are staples of the long-running festivities that promote the...

The nonprofit Rancho-Maze Band recently paid tribute to the legacy of Joe Ostenson—a pillar of the local music-education community for nearly half a century—by recognizing a local young musician who exemplifies the characteristics of the life-long educator.  Marguerite Maze Middle School eighth-grader Megan Phillips was...

The Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County announced this week that it has completed a draft update of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), after receiving an $80,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration and a $5,000 contribution from the City of San...

The rain and snow this year really helped our water supply and ended our local water restrictions, BUT… Groundwater: When California's reservoirs decline, many cities and farmers turn to another water source: vast aquifers underground. In drought years, groundwater supplies up to 60% of California's water....

Shaffer earns bachelor’s degree Brooke Shaffer, of Hollister, received a bachelor of science degree in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama.  The university awarded more than 5,800 degrees during its spring commencement ceremonies.  A recent economic analysis found that a degree from The University of...

The San Benito County Office of Education recognized some of the county’s most inspiring educators at the annual Certificated and Classified Employee of the Year celebration on May 25 at the Hollister High School auditorium. The awards ceremony is held annually to honor school staff...

San Benito County officials said they have invited Salinas Valley Health to partner in an effort to find a long-term solution on the future operations of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, which filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy last month.  But the county also stopped short of...

Hundreds of San Benito County teens took their next big steps in life at the June 9 Hollister High School graduation ceremony, which took place at the campus athletic field.  The ceremony featured remarks and refrains led by graduates, including Senior Class Vice President Donnobhain...