Local News

The Community Foundation for San Benito County announced the return of its annual grant program, aiming to award more than $100,000 to local nonprofits. The grant program is resuming after a pause last year, following feedback from local organizations about the importance of the funding....

The 99th San Benito County Fair is in the books, after crowds spent the weekend enjoying rides, kids’ activities, live musical and cultural performances, plenty of food and a celebration of the county’s agricultural heritage. As always, one of the fair’s highlights this year—especially for...

Cal Fire has suspended all burn permits in Monterey and San Benito counties effective Sept. 1, due to drought and dangerous fire conditions. In a news release issued Monday, Cal Fire officials said 88% of the state is in extreme or exceptional drought. “2021 has already...

Don't call it a tripledemic—yet.  Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19 are circulating this fall, but not yet at the rate that worried public health agencies a year ago.  As we approach the time of winter when these diseases usually peak, around December to February,...

Two people died and three others were sent to the hospital with injuries as a result of a shooting that was possibly gang-related March 26 in Hollister, according to authorities. Hollister Police identified the deceased victims as Jaime Jesus Gomez, 23, and Daniel Eli Gonzalez,...

It was another busy Monday afternoon at the Community FoodBank of San Benito but a group of young volunteers from the Enterprise Academy of Martial Arts were more than able to keep pace. Everleigh Howard was one of several academy members accompanied by their parents...

San Benito was one of the three fastest-growing counties in California over the past decade, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released on Aug. 12. The county’s total population as of April 1, 2020, was 64,209, according to the Census data. That’s a 16.2% jump...

As of Nov. 25, there have been 1,784 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the county, which is an increase of 307 cases reported since Nov. 2. The local death count remains at 16, according to San Benito County Public Health officials.  Confirmed cases...

Easter festivities Gateway Hollister Church will host a free Easter egg hunt and family-friendly festivities at Cerra Vista Elementary School on April 8. The event starts at 12pm and goes to 3pm, and is free for everyone in the Hollister community.  Festivities include not only an...

With a thriving dental practice, Leif Nordstrom has performed his fair share of root canals over the years. But the Hollister High boys water polo coach must have felt like he was undergoing the painful procedure as the Haybalers seemingly were on their way...