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Before the start of her junior year, Jessica Curto’s family moved from the Sacramento area to Hollister. While it’s never easy for a teenager to switch high schools, Curto said the transition was made easier by her San Benito High teammates.

The clamor of the holidays tends to drown out any peace and tranquility that’s supposed to come along this time of year. When visions of sugar plums or sounds of drummers drumming or the smells of one-too-many cinnamon spice candle have become just too overwhelming, there’s a place where none of that exists, a place that beckons with pools of tranquility that hit just the right restful temperature for a relaxing holiday escape.

Aaron Rodriguez was selling sushi out of his house while he was still in high school. He was building a business and clientele before most kids even entertain the thought of culinary school. Rodriguez, 20, says it was the support of his clients that encouraged him to pursue being a chef.

As the year winds down, I find myself in a reflective mood. Maybe it is due to hearing renditions of “Auld Lang Syne” everywhere I go. Here at Live Oak Adult Day Services, we welcomed many new seniors this year and we, sadly, have mourned the loss of others. The staff here is often asked how we cope with such loss. Basically, we focus on making each day special for the seniors here, and when they are no longer with us we know that we helped them to feel appreciated while they were part of the program. Those thoughts console us.

As the whirlwind year of 2016 finally comes to a close, we’ve been witness to an impressive series of monumental happenings in world history, sports, entertainment and of course politics. For those that have been too caught up to make plans to ring in the New Year, here’s a list of local events to raise a glass for “Auld Lang Syne.”

Bridal Faire

Down to stoppage time, the San Benito High girls soccer team looked as if it would have to be relegated to a draw with visiting Sobrato in their non-league contest on Dec. 21. It would’ve been a tough pill to swallow given the fact that the Haybalers had controlled the run of play, dominating the possession for long stretches.

The following are the top stories of the year in San Benito County:

NYE Celebrate to start of 2017 at the annual gala and New Year’s Eve Party at Casa de Fruta. Enjoy a catered dinner and dancing with champagne and party favors make it an unforgettable start to the new year. With our Inn and RV Park just steps away from the activities, you can spend a leisurely New Year's at Casa de Fruta without having to drive on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. at 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister. For more information, call (408) 842-9315 or visit, casadefruta.com

Starting at the age of 5, Davonte Butler had a schedule: Go to Morgan Hill to hit in the batting cages or play in a game before showing up at San Benito High to watch his older brother, Anthony, dazzle for the basketball team.