Motorcycle rally will return to Hollister in 2026, city council says
After hearing a report from staff on the impact of the 2025 Hollister Independence Rally, members of the city council agreed Sept. 2 to repeat the two-day celebration of motorcycle culture next July.
Councilmembers also agreed to pursue another contract with Roadshows Inc. to promote...
San Juan Bautista plays music on the porch
Music fans, residents and visitors braved the summer heat in San Juan Bautista Aug. 30 to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor performances at local homes for the annual Play Music on the Porch Day.
Organized by San Juan Bautista residents Steve Harris and Caitlin Brady,...
Gilroy Rodeo horse death sparks concerns, questions
The death of a bucking horse that suffered a broken neck during a performance at the Gilroy Rodeo Aug. 8 has raised questions about animal safety protocols and injury reporting requirements.
The mare, known as +H6 Cow Palace, fell while bucking and broke her neck,...
Statewide cleanup effort includes inaugural ‘Trashure Hunt’
California Coastal Cleanup Day will celebrate its 41st year this September with its first ever “Trashure Hunt,” offering participants the chance to win a variety of prizes by volunteering to pick up litter and garbage at hundreds of locations across the state, organizers announced...
‘Clowns’ stage theatrical protest at bomb component facility
Art & Rebellion, a Santa Cruz-based self-described resistance group, staged a peaceful theatrical protest at Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company in Hollister on Aug. 21.
Garbed in brilliant colors, goofy hats, glittery jackets, bright red noses and curly wigs, waving umbrellas, batons and plungers, the...
Tres Pinos festival keeps bluegrass alive
A premier northern California focal point for the preservation, enjoyment, instruction and performance of bluegrass music is in San Benito County, where the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival takes place the second weekend of August every year in Tres Pinos.
The 31st annual festival, Aug....
Insight Health withdraws from negotiations to lease, purchase Hazel Hawkins
The San Benito Health Care District announced Aug. 13 that Insight Health is stepping away from negotiations on a proposed lease-to-purchase agreement for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, citing unprecedented uncertainty stemming from the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
The federal legislation will...
Painting Frida Kahlo
About a dozen people gathered in the courtyard of The Garden Shoppe July 27 to celebrate the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who died July 13, 1954 at the age of 47.
To honor Kahlo, wannabe artists painted clay pots in her image or...
Gilroy Rodeo draws record crowds
The annual Gilroy Rodeo sold out all three days for the first time in its history this past weekend, drawing approximately 5,500 attendees to celebrate the community’s western heritage in the heart of Silicon Valley.
“We were at capacity,” said Stacey Roberts, the rodeo’s arena...
Gavilan College recognized for strong return on investment
Gavilan College ranked No. 16 statewide and No. 5 in the Bay Area among 327 California community and career colleges for return on investment, according to a new report from College Futures Foundation and the HEA Group.
The “Golden Returns” report shows that students at...
