South Valley farm maintains Halloween fall tradition
Squeals of laughter and the scent of hay filled the air as children raced through the corn maze, picked out pumpkins nearly as big as they were, and enjoyed rides at the annual fall festival at Swank Farms—a beloved South Valley tradition marking the...
Alliance launches TotalCare all-in-one health plan
Central California Alliance for Health this week announced the launch of TotalCare, a Medicare Advantage plan that is also a dual-eligible special needs plan. The plan offers all-in-one care for those eligible for Medi-Cal and Medicare, and is available for people in San Benito,...
San Benito Stage Company brings ‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ to unlife
Ghosts, demons and moody teenagers are set to haunt the stage this season with San Benito Stage Company’s production of “Beetlejuice Jr.,” opening Oct. 24. This dark dramedy runs for three weekends in Hollister with eight performances, including two shows during Halloween weekend.
“It’s a...
San Benito County advises residents to prepare for delay of November food stamp benefits
Local CalFresh recipients will see a delay in their benefits in November due to the federal government shutdown, says a notice from the San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency.
San Benito County currently serves 7,742 people and 3,794 families with CalFresh benefits, which...
Morgan Hill author delivers debut thriller ‘Dead by Monday’
Kathryn Benton was a privileged young student with every advantage money could buy, but when she suddenly becomes the target of a massive nationwide manhunt, her comfortable world crumbles in an instant in “Dead by Monday,” the debut thriller from Morgan Hill author Chuck...
South Valley Symphony marks 52nd season with Oct. 12 concert
South Valley Symphony is set to embark on its 52nd season, with their opening concert set for 3pm Oct. 12 at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill.
The special tribute concert, “Adventures Around the Globe,” promises to be a vibrant journey through music from around the...
County Ed. Assistant Supe honored by Filipina Women’s Network
Gwendolyn Baquiran, San Benito County Office of Education’s Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, has been selected to receive the Filipina Women’s Network’s 2025 Most Influential Filipina Women of the World Award in the category of “Innovator & Thought Leader; Pioneer of Progress.”
Chosen from a...
Community Foundation of San Benito County names Kartashov as CEO
The Community Foundation for San Benito County this week announced the board of directors has appointed Cassandra Kartashov as the organization’s new chief executive officer. Kartashov will begin her new role Nov. 17.
With more than 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership,...
A rodeo for everyone
The ninth annual Baler Buckaroo at Hollister High School on Oct. 23 brought classmates from all backgrounds and abilities together to enjoy an inclusive hands-on rodeo experience catered for students with special needs.
Hosted by the Hollister High FFA program, the Baler Buckaroo took place...
Local Scene: Volunteer for South Valley Symphony
The nonprofit South Valley Symphony is seeking volunteers to serve on its board of directors. Applicants should have a strong interest in helping to shape the symphony’s activities over the coming years, and should be enthusiastic about becoming a part of the symphony’s long-standing...


















