Local News

The San Benito County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Erin Baxter, the former supervising librarian for the San Benito Free Library, in relation to an alleged years-long embezzlement operation. Baxter was charged with three counts including forgery, conspiracy and one count of grand...

San Benito County officials this week announced that Harry Mavrogenes, director of the county Resource Management Agency, has died.  Edgar Nolasco, deputy county administrative officer, on Sept. 20 sent an email to notify staff of his passing. Cause of death has not yet been released. “Harry...

Days after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, Californians across the state took to the streets to voice their opposition against federal immigration enforcement tactics and President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. Over the weekend thousands...

The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a social media page that recently posted a political cartoon that allegedly encouraged violence against public officials and their families, according to authorities.  The Facebook page known as “Benito Beet Beat” published the post on Nov. 3....

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,...

When Courtney Lopez was thinking of names for her cupcake business, she wanted something that was unique—but nothing too out there—while having some meaning behind it. She eventually settled on The Chaste Cupcake, which didn’t exactly win over some of her friends.  “Of course when...

Hazel Hawkins public forum A public forum on Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital has been rescheduled for 5:30-7pm Jan. 23, at Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito Street in Hollister. Hospital officials will make a presentation and answer questions from the audience.  Attendees are asked to submit...

Two new laws taking effect Jan. 1 could affect safety on California’s roads. Cameras at intersections across California already flag drivers who run red lights. Under one law, six cities can begin a pilot program to catch and fine speeding drivers with cameras, with hopes...

San Benito High School District officials are in the process of gathering input from local residents and families on their priorities and preferences for a second high school within the district’s jurisdiction.  The district has long foreseen the need for a new high school, as...

A 16-year-old male was injured in a shooting outside a residence in Hollister Friday night.