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Congratulations are in order for the local wine industry, as the results of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition are in. This is the first wine-judging event of the year and with more than 6,400 entries, this is the largest judging of American wines in the world. This year 86 awards went to wineries in Santa Clara and San Benito counties. Our wineries won 35 bronze, 37 silver, 11 gold, two double gold and one Best of Class.

It seems ironic that in Palestine, the birthplace of Christianity, women have to overcome many obstacles before accepting their call to ministry. In fact, Niveen Sarras has traveled to the United States to serve God’s people as an ordained pastor.

Just when you think our South Valley can’t get any lovelier now that our golden hills have turned green, out of the cold and rain of winter (well, sort of—it’s been a strange year!) burst forth brilliant yellow flowers spreading like soft coverlets over our hills and vales.

Bargain shoppers can rest easy: Dollar Tree has plans to return to its former location in Hollister and expand.

A replica of the famous Vietnam Veterans Memorial will make a stop in Hollister for the Independence Day motorcycle rally.

Bear’s Hideaway in San Juan Bautista is hosting a Valentine’s Day 50-50 raffle to support restoration of Lauren E. Verutti Park as part of the San Juan Rotary Club’s effort.

The county's Police Activities League is partnering with the city on two free sports programs—tennis and baseball—for local youths.

A new operator has signed a five-year lease to oversee the nine-hole golf course at Bolado Park facing financial problems under prior management.

At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park above Santa Cruz, a single ridge separates two very different habitats. Walking the trails on the park’s east side through bright slopes of mixed evergreen trees and chaparral, it seems so unlikely that just over the hill giant redwoods nearly 300 feet tall shade a forest floor dark, moist and green. The great thing about this park is that both settings are within easy reach of a day hiker.

San Benito County's unemployment rate was at 9.4 percent in the most recent figures released by the state.