State launches website for reproductive care
A new website is now available for anyone who is seeking reproductive care in California, the governor's office announced Sept. 13.
The new abortion resource website, abortion.ca.gov, provides information regarding privacy rights, abortion steps, types of abortion, how to find emotional or financial support and...
Cat declawing, book censorship among new 2026 laws
Every year, lawmakers in Sacramento introduce a flurry of bills, most of which are eviscerated during the legislative process and end up on the Assembly or Senate trash heap. A select few make it to the governor’s desk, and assuming they dodge the veto...
Statewide homelessness climbs 3%
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...
Despite storms, drought presses on
Although recent rains have saturated Hollister and the surrounding areas—with more precipitation on the way—experts advised this week that California is nowhere close to being out of its ongoing drought.
A lingering storm over New Year’s weekend, from Dec. 30-Jan. 1, dumped a steady downpour...
Local Scene: Highway 25 gains federal funds
Highway 25 project gains federal funds
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) last week allocated nearly $3 billion for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state.Â
The allocation includes $8.9 million in funds from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021...
Safety first!
In an effort to solidify their emergency response coordination strategies as reports of potentially perilous accidental gas line damage increase in the tri-county region, PG&E and local public safety agencies held a joint safety drill at Hollister Municipal Airport on Aug. 24.
During the drill,...
San Benito County residents can dispose of storm debris for free Jan. 29
Residents of San Benito County who need to dispose of storm debris can do so at a free event Jan. 29 at John Smith Road Landfill.
The free disposal day is sponsored by the county’s Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency. It will take place from...
Local Scene: Community Foundation opens disaster relief fund
Rotary Mission Ten is Jan. 28
The San Juan Bautista Rotary Mission Ten half marathon, 10-mile and 5K run will take place Jan. 28, starting at 406 Second Street Mission Plaza. The deadline to register for all events is 5pm Jan. 27. Registration costs range...
Study: Employers fail to keep farmworkers safe from Covid
Although farm and food production workers were considered essential workers during the pandemic, many of California's food employers endangered those workers, violating Cal/OSHA's Covid-19 guidelines more often than most industries, a new report said.
The California Institute for Rural Studies’ report said farm and food...
Newsom proposes budget with $22.5B deficit
California faces a $22.5 billion budget deficit, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Jan. 10 as he proposed billions in cuts and deferred spending amid a significant drop in capital gains tax revenue.
After the state’s revenue boomed a year ago due largely to a capital gains...

















