Health

Don't call it a tripledemic—yet.  Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19 are circulating this fall, but not yet at the rate that worried public health agencies a year ago.  As we approach the time of winter when these diseases usually peak, around December to February,...

Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance), the Medi-Cal managed care health plan for more than 428,000 residents in Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, will soon serve the counties of Mariposa and San Benito, according to a press release.  Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the...

San Benito County and Salinas Valley Health officials last week jointly submitted a letter of intent to take over operations of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and its associated services through a joint powers authority that would raise extra long-term capital for the hospital, in...

The California Department of Public Health is urging Californians to get immunized against a triple-threat of viruses that are expected to surge in the coming months.  Rates of Covid-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, are expected to spike in the late fall and...

San Benito County residents can safely get rid of non-rechargeable household batteries, paint, mercury thermostats and mattresses at a free recycling event Nov. 4 at Veterans Memorial Park.  The event, which goes from 9am-1pm, is sponsored by the county’s Integrated Waste Management, which was recently...

Decision comes after independent report recommends a government body oversee the embattled hospital

Kelly named to Dean’s List Garret Kelly, of Hollister, has been named to the summer 2023 Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s west campus in San Jose.  Hollister Hills hosts Oct. 28 cleanup, trick or treat Visit Hollister Hills SVRA on Oct. 28 for the park’s...

Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus are still active in a small area of unincorporated San Benito County, according to the county agricultural commissioner’s office.  Crews are scheduled to target the affected area with mosquito treatment on Oct. 18, with daytime temperatures expected to...

San Benito County has drastically increased fines in an effort to combat the scourge of illegal dumping on roadsides, public property and other unauthorized locations.  The new fines, which became effective Sept. 21, are $2,500 for the first offense (previously $100), $5,000 for the second...

Newsom appoints Butler to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint a woman to fill the seat of the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died Sept. 29. Laphonza Butler will replace Feinstein, the Governor’s Office confirmed Oct. 1.  Butler is currently president of...