San Benito County Independent Nonprofit News Source, Hollister Community News Outlet | BenitoLink, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, San Benito County, California

Matthew Gastello said being an Eagle Scout and playing three sports in high school helped him be selected for West Point. Photo courtesy of Matthew Gastello.

Matthew Gastello makes journey from Eagle Scout to Army Ranger

Published 01/20/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

West Point graduate talks about military academies.

Firefighters worked all day to put out a fire at DMC Recycling facility on Jan. 19. Photo courtesy of Hollister Fire Department.

Third fire in two months sparks at Shore Road recycling plant

Published 01/19/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Over 100,000 tons of landscaping wood chips are stored at that location.

Jarad Gallagher of Smoke Point BBQ. Photo by Robert Eliason.

San Juan Bautista restaurants face challenges under COVID

Published 01/19/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Lack of indoor and outdoor dining making financial survival difficult.

Photo courtesy of Shoe Palace. Faces have been covered for the youth's privacy.

Pilot program at SBC Juvenile Hall aims to change youth behavior

Published 01/18/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

Shoe Palace and facility supervisors are encouraged by the results.

Novel Coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control.

Jan. 20 coronavirus roundup for San Benito County

Published 01/20/2021
BenitoLink Staff

Three deaths and 44 new cases reported, 5,003 people have tested positive, 549 are active patients, 4,408 have recovered and 46 have died; the county’s current positivity rate is 17.4%; the San Joaquin Valley Region’s ICU availability is 0%.

Environment / Nature

2021 climbing advisories in effect at Pinnacles National Park

Published 01/20/2021
BenitoLink Staff

Restrictions implemented to protect nesting birds of prey.

Photo courtesy of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.

Health

Public Health Services seeking volunteers for COVID-19 mass vaccination clinics

Published 01/20/2021
BenitoLink Staff

Opportunities range from assisting with administering the vaccine, traffic control, screening forms, conducting temperature checks and restocking supplies.