Health

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross announced this week that they have agreed on a new contract that allows patients insured by the company to maintain “in-network access” to the local hospital’s services, services and providers, says a press release from Hazel...

The rainy winter has been good for reservoir levels and surface water supplies, but a number of important factors remain unknown before authorities are willing to declare an end to the statewide drought.  These factors include San Benito County’s pending allocation of imported water from...

For San Juan Bautista resident Refugio “Cuco” Chavez, the first day of spring doesn’t just mean he gets to spend more time in his home garden over the coming months. It is also the wedding anniversary of he and his wife, Esparanza “Espie” Chavez. The...

Wildfires and climate change are locked in a vicious circle: Fires worsen climate change, and climate change worsens fires. Scientists, including those at the World Resources Institute, have been increasingly sounding the alarm about this feedback loop, warning that fires don’t burn in isolation—they produce...

Rotary Mission Ten is Jan. 28 The San Juan Bautista Rotary Mission Ten half marathon, 10-mile and 5K run will take place Jan. 28, starting at 406 Second Street Mission Plaza. The deadline to register for all events is 5pm Jan. 27. Registration costs range...

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (HHMH) and the San Benito Health Care District (District) announced July 10 that they have received unanimous approval from the Engineers and Scientists of California Local 20 (ESC Local 20) regarding a new labor agreement. The decision by ESC Local 20...

The San Benito Health Care District announced Aug. 13 that Insight Health is stepping away from negotiations on a proposed lease-to-purchase agreement for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, citing unprecedented uncertainty stemming from the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).  The federal legislation will...

Hundreds of California native pigeons have died this winter due to a parasitic disease, announced state wildlife officials on Feb. 23.   California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said they’ve noticed an increase of reported sick and dead band-tailed pigeons since early February, mostly around...

A vehicle accident over the weekend disrupted electrical power to the West Hills Water Treatment Plant, but authorities say there will be no major impact on water service.  The crash occurred Nov. 5 on Union Road in Hollister when a vehicle collided with a utility...

The singers of San Benito Oriana Chorale—many of whom have performed with the group for more than three decades—are eager to be back in front of audiences this month for the first time since before the pandemic.  The local nonprofit community choral group has been...