News

San Juan School will be having a Parent Workshop for their Dual Language Immersion Program Jan. 9, in the school’s cafeteria from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This workshop is for families currently enrolled in the K-5th grade program and for interested preschool and kindergarten families. Leading the workshop will be one of California’s leading experts on dual language education, Rosa Molina from the Association of Two-Way & Dual Language Education. Topics include the benefits of being fluent in two or more languages starting in kindergarten and what expectations parents should have for their children acquiring a second language. Childcare will be provided. Please call Sara Frieberg at 623-9945 for any questions or the school’s office at 623-4538.

Thousands of Los Banosans commute to the South Bay to work each day, and 2012 was the year when discussion surfaced about turning Highway 152 into a toll road.

A Hollister man was sentenced Thursday to nearly 10 years in prison for convictions related to a 2011 assault charge.

With the presidential race nationally and Hollister’s first mayor’s race locally – along with many other consequential ballot questions and contests – it was a year defined by politics in San Benito County. The following is a rundown of many important political matters throughout 2012.

Casa de Fruta New Year’s Eve: Casa de Fruta will host its traditional gala New Year's Eve Party, Dec. 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Catered dinner and dancing with champagne and party favors make it an unforgettable start to the new year. With the Inn and RV Park just steps away from the activities, spend a leisurely New Year's at Casa de Fruta without having to drive. Details: 1-800-548-3813

The Hollister-Gilroy area California Highway Patrol office will offer two safe driving programs in January – one for teenage drivers and one for senior citizen drivers.

Thursday

HONORS: Bradley Beetz: Air Force Airman Bradley B. Beetz graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

’Twas the fortnight before Christmas when Steve Johnson was putting up festive Christmas decorations outside his home in San Martin and witnessed something strange going on in the field next door. Walking over, he discovered an injured juvenile peregrine falcon on the ground, with some turkey vultures circling it with curiosity. Steve rescued the 15-inch long raptor and brought it to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center.

Calli is approximately 7 or 8 years old, white with a dark calico patchwork pattern. She is about 15 pounds and went missing Dec. 7. She was wearing a collar of maroon fabric with a tag. If you’ve seen her, call Caron Wolff at (408) 661-6929.