County auditor confirms stolen funds recovered from Oct. 15 phishing scam
San Benito County has recovered nearly $700,000 stolen from a recent vendor payment fraud scheme, according to the county Auditor-Controller’s Office.
The recovery of the funds will allow the county to “issue proper payment to the legitimate vendor,” Auditor-Controller Joe Paul Gonzalez said in a...
A day of honor in Hollister
Veterans, families and community members from throughout San Benito County gathered in downtown Hollister Nov. 11 to honor, thank and recognize those who have served in the U.S. armed forces during the annual Veterans Day ceremony and parade.
The day started with an appreciation ceremony,...
San Benito County provides food bank with $100k as feds suspend SNAP
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4 approved an allocation of $100,000 for the Community Food Bank of San Benito due to the disruption of funding to CalFresh.
In a press release, the county said the expense highlights the board’s commitment to...
Healthcare workers rally for benefits
Caregivers who work at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital are rallying to have their pensions, healthcare plans and vacation time restored after the hospital cut the benefits as part of a 2023 bankruptcy filing, says the union that represents the employees.
Hundreds of employees of HHMH—including...
Food lines grow as feds suspend food assistance
With thousands of San Benito County residents set to lose their CalFresh benefits due to a suspension of federal funding, local organizations and service providers are preparing for a surge in the need for food assistance this month.
On Nov. 4, the board of supervisors...
Betabel node developer changes plans from commercial to housing
The owner of a 23-acre property on Highway 101—where the Betabel Commercial Development proposal has been the subject of an environmental study and lawsuit—recently filed an application to change plans to allow hundreds of new homes.
Property owner McDowell Family Trust and architect Henry Ruhnke...
San Benito County advises residents to prepare for delay of November food stamp benefits
Local CalFresh recipients will see a delay in their benefits in November due to the federal government shutdown, says a notice from the San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency.
San Benito County currently serves 7,742 people and 3,794 families with CalFresh benefits, which...
Community Foundation of San Benito County names Kartashov as CEO
The Community Foundation for San Benito County this week announced the board of directors has appointed Cassandra Kartashov as the organization’s new chief executive officer. Kartashov will begin her new role Nov. 17.
With more than 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership,...
A rodeo for everyone
The ninth annual Baler Buckaroo at Hollister High School on Oct. 23 brought classmates from all backgrounds and abilities together to enjoy an inclusive hands-on rodeo experience catered for students with special needs.
Hosted by the Hollister High FFA program, the Baler Buckaroo took place...
Weighing in at the State of the Region
Government, business and nonprofit leaders around San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties staged the 2025 State of the Region Oct. 17 at CSU Monterey Bay to discuss a vast list of topics from healthcare and air mobility to hospitality, tourism, advances in the...

















