Local Scene: Caltrans will restrict left turns onto Hwy. 156
Kirkland named to Dean’s List
Samuel Kirkland, of Hollister, was named to the LeTourneau University fall 2023 Dean’s List. Kirkland is majoring in Aircraft Systems, says a press release from the university.
The Dean's List recognizes students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.50...
CA lawmakers consider banning youth tackle football
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said Jan. 16 that he would veto any bill with an outright ban on youth tackle football. “My Administration will work with the Legislature and the bill’s author to strengthen safety in youth football—while ensuring parents have the freedom to...
Hazel Hawkins welcomes first baby of 2024
The new year started off “extraordinarily quiet” in Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital’s Birthing Center—until the evening of Jan. 4, according to hospital staff. On that day, three babies were born in the span of 20 minutes and at 6:05pm, Natalia Elias Estrada won the...
State stiffens penalties for fentanyl trafficking
People convicted of distributing fentanyl will face stiffer criminal penalties in the coming year under a new law shaped by rising overdose deaths.
The law increases the penalty for selling or distributing more than one kilogram of fentanyl by an automatic addition of three years...
State approves rules that turn sewage into drinking water
In a milestone for creating a major new source of drinking water, California has approved its first standards for turning sewage into potable water supplies delivered to homes and businesses.
The State Water Resources Control Board, in a unanimous vote Dec. 19, outlined for the...
California’s food insecurity rises as pandemic aid ends
Food insecurity in California ticked upward over the past year, bringing the share of hardship back up to levels early in the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data released by the California Association of Food Banks on Dec. 12.
“Families are buying less food,” said May...
Family secures 140-year legacy by conserving Silacci Ranch
The 9,400-acre Silacci Ranch—a sprawling landscape that stretches from the Salinas Valley floor to the peaks of the Gabilan Range—will be protected forever from suburban sprawl following a recent agreement between the property owner and a California land trust.
The Silacci Ranch is located in...
Bird flu detected in San Benito County
Avian influenza, a “highly pathogenic” viral disease that infects poultry and birds—and is potentially transmissible to humans—has been detected in San Benito County, according to local public health officials.
The disease, also known as “bird flu,” was found recently in poultry flocks in a number...
Local Scene: Pancake breakfast and toy drive Dec. 9
Chorale holiday concerts
San Benito Oriana Chorale will present their Christmas season concerts on Dec. 13 at San Juan Bautista Mission (406 Second Street in San Juan Bautista) at 7:30pm; Dec. 15 at Christ Fellowship Church (2066 San Benito Street) in Hollister at 6:30pm; and...
Honored for giving
The Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Foundation earlier this month held their annual Donor Recognition celebration at the Inn at Tres Pinos.
The foundation honored local community members Bonnie and Alan Clark as their Donors of the Year; the Community Foundation for San Benito County as...