News

County supervisors agreed Tuesday to hire interim County Administrative Officer Ray Espinosa as the permanent CAO, despite concerns from one of the board members about the official’s lack of college credentials.

State Sen. Anthony Cannella has announced his “There Ought to a Be a Law” contest “to provide constituents the opportunity to present ideas for new legislation,” according to announcement from his office.

County supervisors are considering whether to appeal to the state for help in providing funds necessary to increase security personnel – as required by the state – upon the opening of the new courthouse.

A 40-year-old Tres Pinos man died Friday in a motorcycle crash on Highway 25, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The San Benito High School student body raised money last year for  Wonder Woofs, a local nonprofit, who used the funds to purchase a new drug-sniffing dog, Sapphire, which will be trained and used at area schools, including San Benito High.

“We use all golden retrievers,” said Sean Haggett, founder of Wonder Woofs, in an interview Tuesday. “They’re friendly dogs.”

San Benito High School Principal Krystal Lomanto said Wonder Woofs is a “great preventative tool” for the high school.

Haggett said the reason the school helped raise the funds is to be “proactive” against drugs on campuses - on their campus and other campuses.

“It’s not that a school has a drug problem,” he said. “If we can deter one child from doing drugs, it’s a good thing.” 

Having a drug-free environment is a “priority” for the school, Lomanto said in an e-mail to the Free Lance on Thursday.

“SBHS takes pride and works very hard at providing a safe campus for our students and staff,” she said. “Wonder Woofs has helped by providing a positive deterrent.”

Hollister City Council members Monday are scheduled to hear a report about the city’s signature annual event, the motorcycle rally.

‘Peter and the Star Catcher’

The practice of gratitude and giving thanks for the blessings and happy moments you experience each day can actually improve your life! According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can actually make you healthier; the many benefits include:

Casper is a 1-year and 9-month-old medium hair cat who has been neutered. He is very sweet, quiet and relaxed. He would make a great lap cat. Due to his coloring he needs to be an indoor only cat. He is available for adoption at the San Martin Animal Shelter. Call (408) 686-3900.

Flu season is officially here, and the “Flu shots today” signs are out in force at pharmacies, supermarkets and big-box discount stores.