News

The San Benito County Arts council will open the 2013 Open Studios Preview Exhibition May 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. with an opening reception to coincide with the first Friday of the month at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St. The exhibition will feature the artwork of more than 29 local artists and artisans, many whom will open up their studios on June 1 and 2 so visitors can get a glimpse of them in their workspace.

Local residents are invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for a unique homebuilding project in Hollister on Saturday at 10 a.m., at 254 Rosebud Avenue, near Santa Ana Road.

Backcountry Weekend: Henry W. Coe State Park opens the gate at Bell’s Station on Highway 152 east of Gilroy today and Saturday to allow visitors vehicle access to a remote and beautiful area. Details: coepark.net.

Luis Alejo co-authored legislation that passed the Assembly on Thursday and would allow lawful non-citizens to serve jury duty. Read what the San Benito County assemblyman has to say about the proposal.

ENGAGEMENT: Whitt/Leal: Kirsten Anne Whitt and Matthew James Leal are engaged to be married.

A jail inmate was transported to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital on Wednesday after sustaining what the sheriff’s office called self-inflicted injuries.

Hollister residents Barry and Jeanette Perdue have opened a ChemDry franchise here – Central Coast ChemDry. ChemDry is what the couple referred to as a “revolutionary” carpet cleaning process using carbonation and natural ingredients – producing millions of tiny effervescent bubbles to act as tiny propellants.

Healthy Kids Day: The YMCA of San Benito County will host Healthy Kids Day April 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 351 Tres Pinos Road, in Hollister. The event will include information about the YMCA programs and summer camps, as well as informational booths of other community organizations. The day will include fun activities that focus on health and wellness. The event is free, though families can pay to join the YMCA or sign up for programs. Those who register for YMCA summer camps will receive an early registration rate and a free camp T-shirt. Details: 637-8600.

The Gabilan artists of San Benito County will have the show “Flowers and Birds” on display at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, 3800 Airline Hwy., in the Gabilan dining room through June 30. They will also have the show “They Sky is the Limit” on display at the St. Francis Retreat, 549 Mission Vineyard Road, in the San Juan Bautista area, through June 30.

The weather might feel like it’s summertime already, but San Benito's Oriana Chorale is hoping to launch the season officially with its spring concert series on May 3, 5 and 7, at the Hollister First Presbyterian Church with its “Summertime with Oriana.”