Bill would allow San Juan Bautista to redirect penalty funds to wastewater projects
A State Senate bill sponsored by the City of San Juan Bautista would give small communities more flexibility when faced with state water quality fines. The legislation known as SB 1081, introduced this week by State Sen. John Laird, would allow cities to invest...
46 years of stamps, smiles and service
For 46 years, through heat waves and winter storms, changing neighborhoods and changing times, Gloria Flores has manned her station with a steady attention and a familiar smile. Now, after nearly half a century of service, one of the community’s most recognizable public servants...
HDLA creates formalized framework for future success
Hollister Dual Language Academy is building on nearly two decades of success by solidifying a plan that will provide a framework for the dual-immersion school going forward.
With support from the Hollister School District, the HDLA community is working with a consultant to develop a...
Love is in the air
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the scent of roses hangs thick in the air at a local flower shop, where the busiest season of the year is in full bloom.
Inside Barone’s Westlakes Balloons and Gifts workspace, buckets of fresh-cut flowers line the walls—long-stemmed red roses,...
HHMH women’s health introduces specialist Dr. Katherine Volpe
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital has expanded its Women's Health Services by introducing Katherine Volpe, MD, to support women’s health in San Benito County.
Dr. Volpe recently joined the HHMH medical staff, adding the specialized field of Urogynecology or “female urology” which treats disorders of the...
Chamber appoints Christina Reyes as interim director
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce announced this week that Christina Reyes is named the new interim chief executive officer.
Reyes was appointed unanimously by the chamber board of directors. The chamber said in an announcement that Reyes’ appointment marks an “exciting new chapter”...
Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant is back
The Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant is back for 2026, following a seven-year hiatus.
Online applications are currently being accepted for the pageant, which will take place April 19. The deadline to enter the pageant is 4pm March 16.
To apply for the 2026 Gilroy Garlic Queen...
Mattie Scariot takes the helm at CMAP TV
Longtime director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival Mattie Scariot was recently appointed as Interim Executive Director of Community Media Access Partnership (CMAP TV).
Scariot began her new role Feb. 3, and will lead the organization during a period of transition while focusing on...
State certifies San Benito County housing element
State authorities last week certified San Benito County’s latest housing element—more than six months after it was initially submitted, finally unlocking millions of dollars worth of grants that can be used for local infrastructure and services, according to county officials.
Staff from the California Department...
Conservationists buy 2,284 acres of Sargent Ranch property
The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased 2,284 acres of ranchland in southern Santa Clara County for $23 million, the organization announced Jan. 29. The acquisition brings POST’s total holdings at the former Sargent Ranch property to 6,114 acres and preserves sacred native land that...
