Economy

Applications now open for Arts Express Grant Program The San Benito County Arts Council invites local artists, art groups, art and cultural organizations to apply to the 2022 Arts Express Grant Program for general operations and project-based funding for art programs, projects and activities that...

San Benito County officials certified the citizens’ petition for an initiative that would require voter approval for certain land rezoning decisions, but are waiting for an impact report on the proposal before deciding whether to place the measure on the November ballot. The board of...

The San Benito County Arts Council is seeking local artists or artist teams to submit their qualifications to create and install a mural on one of five utility boxes along Highway 25 in Hollister.  This project is part of a State Highway Beautification Project, sponsored...

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital officials said this week that HHMH will enter the second quarter of 2023 in a “better than expected cash position,” due to cost savings measures and optimistic negotiations with MediCal, Medicare and Anthem.  The hospital also revealed that it has received...

Emergency public safety responders rescued nearly two dozen people and 16 animals from their homes in northern San Benito County as pouring rains and rising floodwaters engulfed homes, streets and properties Jan. 9, according to authorities.  A total of 23 people were rescued from Lovers...

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...

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...

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors opened up a second round of small business grants to help locals who have been directly impacted by recent stay-at-home orders and related Covid-19 restrictions.

It’s been a rough week for Aurora Manzo, owner of Divas Aka Beauty and Barber Shop, as she’s had to transition yet again to one of the new Covid-19 orders announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom last week released a new guidance specifically for outdoor...

California’s water storage and delivery systems are in good shape heading into the rainy season, having benefited from last year’s near-historic rain and snowfall totals, according to the state’s top water managers.  Coming off three years of punishing drought conditions, last year was the sixth...