Teacher’s grandfather enlightens students for Veterans Day
When sixth-grade students asked Rancho San Justo Middle School teacher Stacia Andrieu if an actual veteran could visit the classroom for Veterans Day, her first thought was her own grandfather who served in Vietnam.
Her grandfather Frank Biafore, 84, accepted her offer to visit the...
State, federal funds to help repair Highway 101 in SJB
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) last week approved $1 billion for 93 new walking and biking projects for disadvantaged communities—including $780,000 to repair a stretch of Highway 101 in San Juan Bautista, says a press release.Â
The funds were released as part of the 2023...
County, Caltrans offer free bulky item recycling event at Hollister landfill
The California Department of Transportation and San Benito County Integrated Waste Management are offering a free Bulky Item Recycling Event for local residents on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11, from 9am to 3pm both days at John Smith Road Landfill.
Staff from Caltrans, the landfill...
In ultra-tough Gabilan Division, Hollister boys soccer aim to thrive
When Marco Orozco decided to return for a second stint as the head coach of the Hollister High boys soccer team two years ago, his goal was to keep the Haybalers in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s upper Gabilan Division.
A lot of that will...
Flu tests available at San Benito County sites
As of Dec. 5, flu tests are available at OptumServe sites in San Benito County—along with PCR and rapid antigen tests for Covid-19, according to county authorities.
The flu and Covid-19 are currently on the rise as a surge of both viruses grips the county,...
Dry year in California leads to meager water allocation
As California faces a likely fourth consecutive year of drought, state water managers Dec. 1 announced a meager 5 percent water allocation for 2023.
While allocations could change based on precipitation levels during the next few months, officials at the state Department of Water Resources...
Oriana Chorale to perform holiday concerts in Hollister
The singers of San Benito Oriana Chorale—many of whom have performed with the group for more than three decades—are eager to be back in front of audiences this month for the first time since before the pandemic.
The local nonprofit community choral group has been...
AAUW hopes to inspire girls to become political leaders
AAUW California announced its new virtual statewide program, Gov Trek. The goal is to address the shortage of women in political leadership roles by galvanizing a new generation to pursue careers in public service and elected office.
Over five two-hour sessions, students will engage in...
County gains state funding for homeless
San Benito County will receive $2.4 million in state funds to purchase factory-built homes for chronically homeless people, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced earlier this month.
The funds come from the California Homekey program, and will help the county buy a total of 11 prefabricated homes,...
One year later, still no arrests in shooting of retired Hollister officer’s family members
It has been just over a year since retired Hollister Police Sgt. Ray Celano’s son and nephew were shot to death in Colorado Springs, and authorities have yet to arrest or publicly identify a suspect or suspects.
Celano’s middle son, Dylan, survived the Nov. 20,...

















