Survey shows 57% drop in San Benito County homelessness
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count of unhoused residents identified 267 people experiencing homeless in San Benito Couty—a 57% decrease from the 621 counted in 2024, according to the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers (CHSP).
Officials from the CHSP conducted the count in partnership with the county,...
Authorities charge Turlock man in killing of Javier Becerril Jr.
Police arrested a Turlock man for the killing of Javier Becerril Jr., the Hollister resident who was found dead in the trunk of a Tesla July 9 on Highway 152 in Merced County.
Manual Salceda, 39, was arrested Oct. 11 following a three-month investigation into...
Hollister woman assaulted spouse, caused collision before stabbing herself
A Hollister woman stabbed her spouse Oct. 17 before recklessly driving the wrong way on a busy highway, left the scene of an accident before carjacking another victim, and continued to lead police up the valley to San Jose where she died after repeatedly...
Hollister City Council begins process of giving jobs back to 36 employees who received layoff notices
The Hollister City Council emerged from a late-night closed session Oct. 19 without City Manager Ana Cortez, and with a unanimous vote to ask dozens of city employees back to the negotiating table after Cortez gave layoff notices to them last week.
The council approved...
San Benito County seniors enjoy a day at the casino
On Oct. 3, a group of 55 San Benito County seniors boarded a bus for a day of laughter, friendly competition and good company at Table Mountain Casino Resort in Fresno County.
The outing was sponsored by Martha’s Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals and...
High school district appoints Elaine Zuniga Galdos as new superintendent
Hollister High alumna and longtime employee of the San Benito High School District Elaine Zuniga Galdos has been named the district’s new superintendent.
The SBHSD board of trustees unanimously appointed Galdos to the new position on Oct. 13. She will take over the superintendent’s post...
Hollister Police surprised by extensive cuts to department staff
Less than two weeks after borrowing $18 million just to be able to make payroll, the City of Hollister has sent layoff notices to numerous employees, including civilian police department staff who support patrol and investigation operations.
Hollister Police Sgt. Bo Leland, who is President...
Voters accuse signature gatherers of lying about Kosmicki recall petition
As the deadline draws near for proponents of a recall of San Benito County Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki to submit paperwork, accusations mount that paid signature gatherers have misstated the purpose of the petition they have presented to local residents.
West Hollister resident Julie Roybal released...
District adds two music teachers with help from Prop. 28
This story was submitted courtesy of the Hollister School District
With the help of Prop. 28 funding, the Hollister School District has hired two new music teachers.
The district welcomes the hiring of Dana Parker and Teresa Ayala, said Dr. Colleen Myers, Director of Educational Services.
The...
Meet the candidates: Four on the ballot for three seats on SJB City Council
In the election for San Juan Bautista City Council, four candidates are running for three seats on the five-person body.
Voters in the Nov. 3 election will be asked to vote for up to three of the following candidates: Elise Brentnall, incumbent Jackie Morris-Lopez, incumbent...
