State to close local Covid-19 test sites as reported cases decline
With Covid-19 numbers declining statewide, California’s public health officials continue to phase out now underutilized Covid-19 testing and treatment sites. That includes the Hollister OptumServe testing site, which is slated to close as of Feb. 23, according to San Benito County staff.
The local site...
Driver dies in Christmas Eve collision on Highway 152
A 25-year-old North Hollywood man died in a traffic collision on Highway 152 early in the morning on Christmas Eve, according to authorities.
About 5:55am Dec. 24, the 25-year-old driver of a 2004 Toyota was traveling eastbound on Highway 152 east of Lovers Lane when...
Hazel Hawkins ends contract with CEO Steve Hannah
The Board of Directors of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital this week announced their decision to end the hospital’s contract with CEO Steven M. Hannah, effective Oct. 14.
“The Board talked it through from every angle and reluctantly decided this new course would be best for...
Families, businesses recover as flood losses mount
The weather forecast is finally calling for a noteworthy dry spell in Hollister, but dozens of local people and businesses are still recovering from flood damage and other property losses resulting from the last several weeks of drenching storms in South Valley.
In recent days,...
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...
Sutter Health clarifies position on Hazel Hawkins interest
A spokesperson for Sutter Health last week denied that the healthcare system is formally seeking to partner with Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
The statement came in response to questions about a Feb. 3 letter from two representatives of Sutter Health to the Hollister hospital’s governing...
Safety first!
In an effort to solidify their emergency response coordination strategies as reports of potentially perilous accidental gas line damage increase in the tri-county region, PG&E and local public safety agencies held a joint safety drill at Hollister Municipal Airport on Aug. 24.
During the drill,...
Hazel Hawkins seeks $10M loan from county
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital—whose administrators earlier this year declared a state of fiscal emergency—recently requested $10 million in the form of emergency bridge funding from the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, according to the Hollister hospital.
The hospital sent the proposal for a $10...
Highway 156 construction site ‘stands down’ for mental health
Construction contractor Teichert Inc., along with the Associated General Contractors of California and other organizations, hosted a “Mental Health Awareness Stand Down” in San Benito County May 19.
The stand down, which took place at the site of the Highway 156 Improvement Project in San...
Local Scene: Community Foundation opens disaster relief fund
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...

















