San Benito County residents eligible for electric vehicle incentives
Incentives up to $5,000 are available for San Benito County residents who purchase or lease a new or used electric or hybrid vehicle.
The 2025-26 Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (EVIP) was launched July 1 by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District. Residents of Monterey and...
Woman killed in Gilroy in 1993 identified as Oregon mother
After nearly 30 years, detectives from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office have identified a woman whose body was left on the side of a road in unincorporated Gilroy, according to authorities.
Oregon resident Patricia “Patsy” Skiple, who was about age 45 at the time...
Hollister PD arrest suspect for concealed firearm, public intoxication
The Hollister Police Department on Dec. 27 issued a press release that George Anthony Beltran was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a concealed handgun, public intoxication and violation of a criminal protective order.
The police said they found an unregistered handgun and two...
Candidates qualify for Hollister mayor, council, school board
The final list of candidates is in for the Nov. 3 election for mayor, two city council seats, two county board of supervisor seats and two trustees’ seats in the Hollister School District.
Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez will run to retain his seat against challenger...
Conservation groups buy 668 acres of South Valley farmland
Three connected agricultural properties straddling the border of San Benito and Santa Clara counties were recently purchased by conservation organizations, ensuring the lands totaling more than 600 acres will remain an active link in a vital regional ecosystem.
The Peninsula Open Space Trust on Oct....
Supervisors certify growth initiative petition
San Benito County officials certified the citizens’ petition for an initiative that would require voter approval for certain land rezoning decisions, but are waiting for an impact report on the proposal before deciding whether to place the measure on the November ballot.
The board of...
Seryna Esparza’s grit, work ethic results in signing with D1 program Coppin State
Seryna Esparza had to wait a long time before college softball programs started showing her some attention.
That puzzled Hollister High coach Andrew Barragan, who would’ve fast tracked Esparza’s recruiting process and told anyone who was willing to listen they would be getting an absolute...
Mabie Skilled Nursing opens new Tranquility Rooms for patients
The Mabie Skilled Nursing Facilities at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital have unveiled two newly designed Tranquility Rooms—one at each location—offering a therapeutic environment dedicated to residents living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive or mental health conditions, hospital officials announced this week.
These innovative...
CalFire awards $705K for controlled burns in San Benito County
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has awarded nearly $138 million in local fire prevention grants, and a portion of the funds will be used in San Benito County to reduce carbon emissions by conducting prescribed burns.
As part of CalFire’s 2020-21, California...
Public health officials report two virus deaths, 02/01
San Benito County Public Health officials report the number of new Covid-19 cases continue to decline but their latest newsletter reported two deaths.
On Feb. 1, the county reported its 53rd and 54th death of the novel coronavirus in San Benito County. This is the...
