Health

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 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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Caregivers who work at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital are rallying to have their pensions, healthcare plans and vacation time restored after the hospital cut the benefits as part of a 2023 bankruptcy filing, says the union that represents the employees.  Hundreds of employees of HHMH—including...

With thousands of San Benito County residents set to lose their CalFresh benefits due to a suspension of federal funding, local organizations and service providers are preparing for a surge in the need for food assistance this month.  On Nov. 4, the board of supervisors...