HSD clarifies roles of health clerks and nurses
As we head toward the finish line for the 2025-26 school year, the Hollister School District would like to clarify the roles of varying health professionals for the benefit of families and staff members.
This is important so there is full understanding about all of...
Recology composting program turns waste into natural fertilizer
On a 16-acre hilltop on Pacheco Pass Highway in southeast Gilroy, Recology turns thousands of tons of yard waste and food scraps from households throughout South Valley into nutrient-rich compost that farmers throughout the region use as a robust natural fertilizer.
The ultimate result is...
Mobile Dental Van brings vital health services to San Benito County
Everyone enrolled in Medi-Cal, the state’s public health insurance program, is eligible to receive free dental care. However, many patients can’t regularly make it to the dentist—or send their children to one—because they live in rural areas where services are scarce, transportation is a...
Mabie Skilled Nursing opens new Tranquility Rooms for patients
The Mabie Skilled Nursing Facilities at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital have unveiled two newly designed Tranquility Rooms—one at each location—offering a therapeutic environment dedicated to residents living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive or mental health conditions, hospital officials announced this week.
These innovative...
South Valley nonprofit marks 15 years saving people and dogs
He’d been waiting years for a service dog—years marked by crippling anxiety, years of waitlists, years of prices he couldn’t hope to pay. Running out of options, the Marine veteran called a local dog trainer named Mary Cortani and made a desperate plea.
That call...
Bill would allow San Juan Bautista to redirect penalty funds to wastewater projects
A State Senate bill sponsored by the City of San Juan Bautista would give small communities more flexibility when faced with state water quality fines. The legislation known as SB 1081, introduced this week by State Sen. John Laird, would allow cities to invest...
HHMH women’s health introduces specialist Dr. Katherine Volpe
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital has expanded its Women's Health Services by introducing Katherine Volpe, MD, to support women’s health in San Benito County.
Dr. Volpe recently joined the HHMH medical staff, adding the specialized field of Urogynecology or “female urology” which treats disorders of the...
Conservationists buy 2,284 acres of Sargent Ranch property
The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased 2,284 acres of ranchland in southern Santa Clara County for $23 million, the organization announced Jan. 29. The acquisition brings POST’s total holdings at the former Sargent Ranch property to 6,114 acres and preserves sacred native land that...
San Benito County hosts free ‘Recycle Day’
Safely dispose of unwanted tires, mattresses, electronic waste and household hazardous waste, for free, at the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 7.
The free Recycle Day event will take place from 9am-1pm, in the parking lot shared by the sheriff’s office and Resource...
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...
