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The San Benito County Board of Supervisors at the latest meeting initiated efforts to significantly strengthen the county’s illegal dumping ordinance to deter those activities.  Supervisor Dom Zanger and I had requested this formal consideration, and I have been pushing for more action with regard...

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office is now accepting applications for the vacant San Benito County District 1 Supervisor’s seat. The position—normally filled by a general election four years—has been vacant since former Supervisor Mark Medina resigned from office June 7. He was just re-elected in 2020,...

The California Coastal Commission announced that the 37th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day will return to in-person gatherings at sites around the state on Sept. 18. On that day, Californians are encouraged to take to streets, parks, creeks, streams, rivers and the coast from 9am...

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 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has declared that wildfire season will start May 18 in San Benito County.

On Oct. 10, the Hollister High Scarlet Regiment Band united the past, present and future at their annual Pep Band Crossover Event. This beloved tradition brings together the talented musicians of Hollister High School with incoming middle school students, giving them a taste of...

The 2021 San Benito Community Auction, which raises funds annually for local nonprofits, will take place online Aug. 27-30. The virtual auction is a safe alternative for local organizations to raise funds in the pandemic era, and gives participants an opportunity to bid on a...

For the past four years, the San Benito County Arts Council operated in two separate locations across the street from each other in downtown Hollister. At just under 2,000 square feet combined, the spaces worked out well for its needs, constantly holding art classes,...

Over the past week, Gavilan College has hosted thousands of visitors and ceremoniously conferred hundreds of degrees, certificates and other accolades to members of the Class of 2024 who have completed their studies in a variety of academic programs.  The college held its 104th annual...

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....