Downtown Hollister Independence Rally set for July 3-4
The 2026 Hollister Independence Rally is coming up July 3-4 in downtown Hollister, weeks after the San Benito County Civil Grand Jury released a report criticizing aspects of the city’s planning for last year’s rally.
Mayor Roxanne Stephens said this year’s rally will follow roughly...
Drost to compete for Miss California Rodeo crown
Emily Drost—a local volunteer, youth mentor and rodeo competitor—was named Miss San Benito Rodeo and will compete for the title of Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026.
Drost will compete against five other contestants hailing from throughout the Central Coast. The 2026 Miss California Rodeo Salinas...
Here comes the rodeo
Downtown Hollister filled with cattle, classic cars and color guards June 20 as the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo kicked off its annual Downtown Parade, a tradition tied to a rodeo dating back to 1929.
The parade began at 11am along San...
Recall maintains narrow lead in San Benito County District 5
With a deadline looming for San Benito County voters to correct their damaged or challenged ballots in the June 2 election, “yes” votes maintain a slim majority on the measure to recall District 5 Supervisor Ignacio Velazquez.
The latest unofficial election results update from the...
Retail theft ring suspects arrested at Hollister store
After responding to a shoplifting attempt at Ulta Beauty in Hollister, police arrested two suspects who are likely connected to an organized retail theft operation that targeted retail stores in both Hollister and Gilroy, authorities said.
On June 21, four Hollister Police officers responded to...
Hollister Police launch new online public safety data portal
The Hollister Police Department launched a new Citizen RIMS Public Information Portal, providing residents with up-to-date data on police activity and public safety incidents throughout the community.
The new, free website allows the public to easily find out why patrol cars and fire engines recently...
Gavilan Foundation appoints Bhandal, Rosso to board
The Gavilan College Educational Foundation has appointed two new members to its board of directors. Longtime community leaders Manny Bhandal and Evelia Morales Rosso will serve on the nonprofit board for the next three years starting on July 1.
“On behalf of the Gavilan College...
Sheriff, deputies, county seek to resolve staffing concerns
A recent civil grand jury report amplifies the ongoing position among officials that the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office is understaffed, facing protracted challenges in both recruiting and retaining deputies who can find better financial opportunities in areas not far outside the local region.
With...
Suspect in child murder charged with five felonies
Adrian Lujan, who is accused of strangling a 2-year-old boy to death in San Juan Bautista, faces five felony charges for the June 7 incident.
Lujan was arraigned June 10 at the Hollister courthouse on charges of murder, attempted murder, assault on a child causing...
Fire destroys contractor’s shop in Hollister
A business shop suffered major damage in a structure fire in northeast Hollister the night of June 15, as authorities evacuated neighboring homes out of concern the blaze could spread.
A firefighter was injured in the response to the structure fire, authorities said. The blaze...
