Drought update: Long-term supplies uncertain
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...
Healthcare workers rally for benefits
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...
PG&E offers free gas safety inspections at local homes
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...
Hazel Hawkins continues to seek financial solutions
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital issued a statement Nov. 28 assuring its employees and patients that the Hollister facility’s staff and other experts engaged by the hospital are “pursuing multiple angles to resolve” its current fiscal emergency.
HHMH also emphasized that the hospital remains open and...
San Benito County bans flavored tobacco products
Following the lead of many counties and cities in California, and in an effort to combat the public health risks associated with youth smoking, the San Benito County Board of Supervisors recently passed an ordinance that prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco.
The ban applies...
Insight Health withdraws from negotiations to lease, purchase Hazel Hawkins
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...
‘Aggressive’ non-native mosquito found in Gilroy
A non-native Aedes aegypti mosquito—an aggressive species that can spread certain diseases—has been discovered in a residential area of Gilroy, according to the Santa Clara County Vector Control District. A mosquito of the same species was also found recently in a neighborhood of east...
Local Scene: Art show and giveaway
Arts Council hosts art show and giveaway
The San Benito County Arts Council invites the community to Small Works: Art Show & Giveaway from 5-7:30pm on Dec. 2 at The Art Depot, 35 Fifth St., Suite D, located in the historic train depot in downtown...
Hospitals, clinics ‘desperate’ for blood
More than two years after the Covid-19 pandemic started, hospitals and medical facilities throughout the region are still “desperate” for blood supplies for their patients, according to an American Red Cross representative. One way that many people, organizations and venues are committed to helping...
Despite surge, Hazel Hawkins still admitting patients
Even though Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is at 100 percent capacity, medical staff said the facility is still open to treat patients during the “double-headed surge.”


















