Alejo’s immigrant license bill gains broad support
The California Legislature on Thursday passed a bill by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, which would allow any immigrant to apply for a driver’s license. AB 60 passed out of the State Senate with a vote of 28-8 and was approved by the State Assembly with a vote of 55-19.
Plans progress for jail expansion with $15M from state
The state has awarded San Benito County a grant worth more than $15 million to use on a jail expansion project expected to add about 60 beds and ease local pressures from prison overcrowding.
Rules from Farr legislation vie to close loophole for online puppy mills
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new regulations Tuesday intended to crack down on Internet puppy mills, based upon legislation written by Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel).
Chief: Fire partnership ‘going really well’
In an update to the San Benito Board of Supervisors on Tuesday about the city’s June decision to partner with the county to consolidate fire department resources, Hollister Fire Chief Mike O’Connor said that “so far, everything’s going really well.”
Crop values jump in 2012; supervisor suggests lettuce festival
Supervisors today received the 2012 crop report from the county agricultural commissioner, who called 2012 “a banner year” for agriculture in the county.
Supervisors voice concerns about Affordable Care Act
Members of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors voiced concerns Tuesday about implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act, as the controversial law revs up enrollment starting Oct. 1 under the state-run “Covered California” health care exchange.
County board to weigh Cienega Road project, crop report
County supervisors Tuesday are scheduled to consider approving the fiscal year 2013-2014 adopted budget resolution, greenlighting specifications for the Cienega Road Realignment Project, and accepting the 2012 crop report.
Rally set to protest oil wells near Pinnacles National Park
San Benito Rising, a local environmental group, will be holding a rally called "Draw The Line: Don't Frack the Pinnacles" at the east entrance of Pinnacles National Park on Sept. 21 starting at 9:30 a.m.
Plans progressing for mural in Fourth Street tunnel
Council members approved a resolution Tuesday that allows the Hollister Downtown Association to use $5,000 – passed through the city from the Council of San Benito County Governments – for renovations to the tunnel under Fourth Street leading to the new courthouse.
Boy Scouts group requests city reimbursement for stolen flags
A local Boy Scouts organizer on Tuesday asked the Hollister council to reimburse the group $906 for 35 American flags stolen during the city’s motorcycle rally.
