Gavilan alum takes flight in aerospace engineering
When Esthefani Montelon enrolled in Gavilan College’s Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program in fall 2019, she had no idea she was embarking on a journey that would lead to aerospace engineering internships at NASA and Pratt & Whitney.
“I wanted to do something with my...
Police arrest July 4 shooting suspect
Hollister Police have arrested a suspect from a July 4 drive-by shooting on San Benito Street, authorities said.
Ruben Eduardo Vargas, 30, of Hollister, was arrested on Aug. 6, based on information gathered through an ongoing investigation into the shooting by the Hollister Police Department....
DA will not file charges in Morgan Hill Nazi flag incident
Authorities said they will not file charges against a person who hung a flag depicting a Nazi swastika on the Burnett Avenue overpass in Morgan Hill.
Santa Clara County Supervising Deputy District Attorney Michel Amaral said the DA’s office has concluded an investigation into the...
Remembering Woodstock Music & Art Fair, 56 years later
Author reflects on iconic moment, upcoming local performances
Every August, I reminisce about my adventurous week at the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Fair, now 56 years ago. I think about the heat and humidity and the smell of patchouli oil, incense, cow manure and...
Editorial: Public art has the power to transform communities
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, commerce and rapid urbanization, public art stands as a profound counterbalance—a humanizing force that elevates the collective spirit of a community. Art in public spaces does far more than decorate; it educates, inspires and connects.
Public art is...
Around Town: The community has lost a legend
Bruce John Bannister, a local pastor who had a major impact on hundreds of lives, died June 9, at the age of 73 surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with cancer, his wife Dori told us.Bruce was born in San Jose on May...
Music in the Air: Music legend to make a rare appearance in South Valley
When I heard legendary musician, writer, DJ, manager and producer Peter Asher was coming to Morgan Hill, I just knew I had to put out my music column and let the community know about this special one-time appearance.
Peter Asher may not be a household...
Two arrested for gang-related assault in downtown Gilroy
Police arrested two Gilroy men this week who are accused of taking part in a gang-related assault in the city’s downtown more than a year ago.
In December 2023, three victims were violently attacked by a group of males in what investigators determined was a...
Hollister High ranked in annual ‘Best Schools’ report
For the seventh year in a row, Hollister High School has been ranked as a “Best High School” by U.S. News & World Report—an annual comprehensive report that identifies top-performing schools nationwide.
The 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report rankings place Hollister High in the...
Letter: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ could have severe consequences for local healthcare
As the U.S. Senate debates the sweeping legislation known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” it’s worth asking a critical question: who really pays the price for political ambition? For rural communities like ours in San Benito County, the answer may hit closer to home...
