Business

California’s homeless population remains the biggest in the nation, but the crisis is growing more slowly here than in most of the rest of the country, according to new federal data.  The number of homeless Californians increased just over 3% last year compared to the...

Californians accused of certain drug and retail theft crimes may already be facing stiffer penalties under an initiative voters passed this year, alongside related bills Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law.  Voters this November overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, which both modifies and adds key changes...

Hollister’s Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital welcomed the first baby of the year just after midnight on Jan. 1—a girl who weighed in at nearly 6 pounds, according to the hospital.  Parents Elizabeth Hernandez and Gilbert Valencia welcomed their daughter, Genesis, to the world at 12:04am...

California lawmakers in 2024 introduced 4,821 bills, but most of them were tossed or otherwise rejected during the months-long legislative process during which most never saw the light of day. Just 1,206 made it to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, with 1,017 getting signed into law...

‘Everyday people across the country skip medical care because of cost. Those who do seek medical help may end up with a balance they can’t pay off. That debt can hurt people’s credit scores, resulting in long-term financial burdens. Starting Jan. 1, a new state...

The family of a Hollister man who was shot to death at a local car wash in February has filed a lawsuit claiming the owners of the business where the crime occurred are responsible for the homicide.  Efrain Amezcua, 48, was allegedly shot and killed...

A grant of $1,749,800 from the Valley Health Foundation will help the YMCA of Silicon Valley expand and enhance childcare services for families in Gilroy.  Specifically, the grant—funded through Santa Clara County’s Childcare Expansion Grant Program—will support the renovation of the Gavilan College Child Development...

On a recent December afternoon, about 30 volunteers gathered at St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista to give their efforts to the sprawling, multifaceted Farmworker Caravan—an annual holiday donation drive for families in need in five counties.  Labeled a “Santa’s Workshop,” the Dec....

The 41st annual Mission 10 Race will take place on Jan. 25, 2025. This year’s race will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Hollister, which sponsors and organizes the Mission 10 event.  Runners and walkers from all over are invited to...

The San Benito Health Care District this week announced the next steps in the ongoing process to finalize the lease-to-own transaction between Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and Insight. While progress has been made, there is still crucial work ahead to complete the transaction. In...