Acclaimed film fest brings weeklong celebration to South Valley
The acclaimed Poppy Jasper International Film Festival returns to Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan Bautista April 8-15. This year’s festival features more films—and at more venues—and is expected to draw a larger number of filmmakers than any previous edition in the event’s...
Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista celebrates 30 years
The Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista this year marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of community impact, international service and local fellowship. Since its founding, the club has been a cornerstone of the Mission City, funding youth scholarships, supporting local non-profits and...
San Andreas named a California Model Continuation School
The San Benito County Office of Education proudly announced that San Andreas Continuation High School (SACHS) has been recognized as a Model Continuation School by the California Department of Education.
Only about 59 of the state’s 430 continuation high schools earned the prestigious designation that...
Local film fest prepares to celebrate 20th year in South Valley
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival will mark its 20th anniversary April 8-15 with its most expansive program to date, screening 350 films from 40 countries across five South Bay cities.
Selected from more than 1,100 submissions, the films include documentaries, animated shorts, narrative features...
South Valley nonprofit marks 15 years saving people and dogs
He’d been waiting years for a service dog—years marked by crippling anxiety, years of waitlists, years of prices he couldn’t hope to pay. Running out of options, the Marine veteran called a local dog trainer named Mary Cortani and made a desperate plea.
That call...
Chamber appoints Christina Reyes as interim director
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce announced this week that Christina Reyes is named the new interim chief executive officer.
Reyes was appointed unanimously by the chamber board of directors. The chamber said in an announcement that Reyes’ appointment marks an “exciting new chapter”...
Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant is back
The Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant is back for 2026, following a seven-year hiatus.
Online applications are currently being accepted for the pageant, which will take place April 19. The deadline to enter the pageant is 4pm March 16.
To apply for the 2026 Gilroy Garlic Queen...
Mattie Scariot takes the helm at CMAP TV
Longtime director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival Mattie Scariot was recently appointed as Interim Executive Director of Community Media Access Partnership (CMAP TV).
Scariot began her new role Feb. 3, and will lead the organization during a period of transition while focusing on...
Conservationists buy 2,284 acres of Sargent Ranch property
The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased 2,284 acres of ranchland in southern Santa Clara County for $23 million, the organization announced Jan. 29. The acquisition brings POST’s total holdings at the former Sargent Ranch property to 6,114 acres and preserves sacred native land that...
Hospital auxiliary offers scholarships to San Benito County students
Applications for the 2026 Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Awards are now available, hospital staff announced on Jan. 14.
Each year the auxiliary awards scholarships to students pursuing a medical or medically oriented career. The total amount awarded to each recipient will be at the...
