Hazel Hawkins launches community health needs survey
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital has invited community members to share their voices and help shape the future of local health care by participating in its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) online survey.
The confidential survey is an important opportunity for residents to provide feedback...
San Benito County officially named ‘Home of Pinnacles’
San Benito County is now formally the “Home of Pinnacles National Park,” as local officials and tourism proponents dig into their efforts to promote the site as an economic development wellspring.
The board of supervisors at the Jan. 13 meeting unanimously approved a proclamation declaring...
Doctors issue advisory over mushroom poisonings
Santa Cruz and Monterey counties were included in a list of areas statewide where people have been severely sickened by Amanita phalloides—commonly known as the death cap mushroom.
A group of doctors from across California warned Jan. 14 that foraging for wild mushrooms can be...
Hazel Hawkins’ first baby of 2026 born Jan. 1
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital welcomed the first baby of the New Year on Jan. 1. Baby girl Namina was born at 10:25am at the Hollister hospital, weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and measuring 20 inches long.
Namina’s proud parents are Evelyn Rivera and Kalisto Alik,...
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...
Year in review: Taking a look back at a busy year in San Benito County
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...
HSD installs tech to improve indoor air quality at schools
The Hollister School District’s indoor air quality is on the rise.
The district has hired contractor Air Duct Cleaning Solutions, based in Hollister, to install the new technology on all campuses, with about half of the installations completed and an expectation to finish all of...
PG&E offers free gas safety inspections at local homes
To help customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the cold months ahead, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is offering free in-home gas safety checks, the utility company said in a press release. During the gas safety checks, PG&E also will re-light...
San Benito County expresses its thanks
As the holiday season settles over San Benito County, we took to the streets to ask residents what they’re most thankful for this year. From simple joys to hard-won milestones, their answers reflect a blend of gratitude, resilience, and the everyday moments that make...
San Benito County provides food bank with $100k as feds suspend SNAP
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4 approved an allocation of $100,000 for the Community Food Bank of San Benito due to the disruption of funding to CalFresh.
In a press release, the county said the expense highlights the board’s commitment to...


















