Local News

March 8 marked San Benito County Office of Education's Annual STEAM Expo. The Expo celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math—and gives students across the county the opportunity to enter science projects, STEAM projects, inventions and artwork, says a press release from SBCOE.  Visitors were...

Level 1 Security has started night patrols at each of the Hollister School District sites due to an increase in vandalism.  In recent weeks, playground construction projects have been interrupted and delayed due to nightly vandalism. In March, the district announced that $2.4 million would...

The California Department of Motor Vehicles this week announced that the Hollister office, located at 80 North Sally Street, will temporarily expand its operating hours to include Fridays, in addition to its regular Tuesday and Thursday schedule.  The additional Friday hours will begin on Aug....

Poetry Out Loud competition returns The San Benito County Arts Council invites the community to Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recitation contest, on Feb. 16 at 6pm at Anzar High School.  This competition, presented in partnership with San Benito High School, Aromas San Juan Unified...

San Benito County has drastically increased fines in an effort to combat the scourge of illegal dumping on roadsides, public property and other unauthorized locations.  The new fines, which became effective Sept. 21, are $2,500 for the first offense (previously $100), $5,000 for the second...

HDA executive director exiting role Hollister Downtown Association Executive Director Corey Shaffer plans to resign from the organization in the coming months, she announced recently.  In the organization’s Aug. 3 newsletter, Shaffer said her plan is to slow down and spend more time with family and...

The Chief Probation Officers of California recently introduced the Joseph Frontella Award for Distinguished Service in Institutions, an honor recognizing “exceptional contributions to juvenile institutions across the state,” says a press release from the Chief Probation Officers of California.  The award celebrates the legacy of...

The Hollister School District Board of Education on Jan. 4 appointed Jose A. Perez, Jr., to fill a vacancy on the five-member body, according to an announcement from HSD.  A vacancy on the board occurred as of Dec. 8 due to a lack of candidates...

It’s somewhat improbable that both Julie Maldonado and her daughter, Mary Villegas, have worked simultaneously in the Hollister School District for multiple decades.  Perhaps even more astonishing is that Villegas has taught for 20 years with cerebral palsy.  The duo reflected on their time and experiences...

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...