Economy

The construction of a new four-lane expressway adjacent to Highway 156 in San Benito County continues this week, with work taking place behind K-rail barriers south of the highway’s current alignment.  Crews in the next two weeks will proceed with roadway excavation for underground construction,...

Poetry Out Loud competition returns The San Benito County Arts Council invites the community to Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recitation contest, on Feb. 16 at 6pm at Anzar High School.  This competition, presented in partnership with San Benito High School, Aromas San Juan Unified...

It’s been more than a week since construction crews began erecting parklets along San Benito Street in Hollister, shutting down the once busy road. But the city’s main strip in the downtown area along with 17 local businesses are set to reopen this weekend after...

The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and its nonprofit foundation celebrated local people, businesses and organizations at the 101st annual awards dinner Nov. 12 at Leal Vineyards. Honored during the dinner and dance celebration were 2022 award winners Marilyn Ferreria, Woman of the Year;...

Registered nurses at Hollister’s Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital are “deeply concerned” about the medical facility’s recent declaration of a fiscal emergency and potential bankruptcy, says a statement from the California Nurses Association.  The nurses fear what a Chapter 9 bankruptcy at HHMH would mean for...

California workers will be guaranteed five paid sick days a year starting Jan. 1, up from the three days that employers are currently required to provide, thanks to Senate Bill 616.  The bill, authored by Long Beach Democratic Sen. Lena Gonzalez, also extends protections against...

The San Benito County Planning Commission held a scoping meeting Aug. 2 for the proposed Ranch 35 Quarry project near the intersection of State Route 156 and U.S. 101. The meeting’s purpose was to inform the public about the scope of the quarry project...

San Benito County recently started working with regional organizations to develop a countywide strategy to expand reliable and affordable broadband communications services. Authorities are beginning to ask the community and stakeholders for input on the forthcoming Broadband Strategic Plan, according to a press release.  The...

The famed Hollister Fourth of July motorcycle rally may not be happening this year, but it might return for 2023 if the voters say so in this November’s election. The Hollister City Council narrowly voted earlier this month to place an advisory measure on the...

This past year has been a flurry of events, milestones, changes, victories and losses that shaped San Benito County. And as the region continues to face the challenges and embrace the hopes related to ongoing growth, 2026 promises to keep local communities moving and...