California will stiffen theft penalties in 2025
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...
CVS settles with state over Medi-Cal fraud claims
CVS Pharmacy will pay the state of California more than $18 million in a settlement of a lawsuit that accused the national chain of submitting fraudulent claims to the Medi-Cal public health insurance system, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced this week.
The state and the...
Local Scene: Summer fun in Aromas
Cool in the parks
Water features at Valley View and McCarthy Parks in Hollister are now operational every day from 11am-7pm, through Sept. 29.
San Benito County’s 150th
Celebrate San Benito County’s sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary on July 27 at the San Benito Historical park. The party...
San Benito County gathers public input for Safety Element update
San Benito County officials are seeking input from the public as it prepares to update the Safety Element of the General Plan.
The county this week published a community survey about the health and safety concerns and needs of local residents, property owners and the...
State’s gas tax revenue projected to drop by $6B
California’s funding from gas taxes will drop by nearly $6 billion in the next decade due to the state’s electric car rules and other climate programs, “likely resulting in a decline in highway conditions for drivers,” according to a new state analysis released Dec....
Photos: Fun in the streets of San Juan Bautista
Local residents, visitors, families and friends enjoyed sunny skies and mild temperatures this past weekend as they ate, shopped, danced—and otherwise let loose—at the San Juan Bautista Street Festival.
The festivities took place March 28-29 in the city’s historic downtown. Third Street and some side...
The Baler Steakhouse offers upscale experience in Hollister
After a little more than one year of jumping hurdles and countless hours of idle work, the doors to The Baler Steakhouse are now open for business.
The restaurant officially launched last year on Black Friday, Nov. 25, at 500 San Benito Street in downtown...
San Benito County steps up water-saving efforts
After a slow start to conserving water in our community, residents started stepping up their efforts in late August. We need more of this effort, but it’s very encouraging news to see our community respond.
The following data, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, was...
Small businesses affected by storms eligible for tax relief
Some California small business owners affected by the winter storms that have battered the West Coast over the last three weeks will be eligible for emergency tax relief, state officials said Jan. 18.
Owners of small businesses that have dealt with storm-related issues like flooding...
