Local News

Downtown Hollister was taken over by shiny classic vehicles and loud engines on May 9 as part of the Shelter-In-Car Cruise. Dozens of cars, trucks and motorcycles cruised down San Benito Street just before sunset, drawing local residents and store owners to watch. Hollister resident Adrian...

As of Dec. 18, San Benito County Public Health officials have reported 2,687 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the county. The local death count remains at 23, according to county officials.  The county’s Covid-19 dashboard shows that there are currently 486 active cases...

San Benito County and the Santa Cruz Regional 911 system this week announced the launch of SBCAlert, an automated alert and warning system that will be used to inform residents of vital information—from road closures to emergency incidents in their area.  SBCAlert is a “significant...

Hollister Police arrested six motorists on suspicion of DUI during heightened enforcement efforts during two September weekends, according to authorities.

Local winners qualify for state bee Four local students will advance to the State Spelling Bee on May 14, following their successful performance in the San Benito County competition. The San Benito County spelling bee returned to local schools on March 22, following a one-year hiatus...

Winter’s gone and sunny spring days prompt us to step outside and work in our gardens. Don’t worry, expert advice is near. Seven private gardens will be open to the public from 10am-4pm May 11. The Garden Tour is an opportunity to explore the...

Two men were hospitalized with major injuries following a crash Monday morning on State Highway 129 in Santa Cruz County, according to the California Highway Patrol. The two-car crash occurred about 6:30am Jan. 29 near Rogge Lane, east of Watsonville. Details of what led to the...

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for later this week, urging residents to drink plenty of fluids and try to stay as cool as possible. The heat advisory will be in effect from 11am June 16 to 1pm June 18, says a...

San Benito County is now formally the “Home of Pinnacles National Park,” as local officials and tourism proponents dig into their efforts to promote the site as an economic development wellspring.  The board of supervisors at the Jan. 13 meeting unanimously approved a proclamation declaring...

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...