Author: Andrew Pearson

Jim Aceves and Silverado on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz on April 18, 2021. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Art & Culture

A singing cowboy from Aromas in the days of COVID

Jim Aceves and his mount Silverado ply their trade in Santa Cruz.

The Cub Scouts and adult Den Leaders of Pack 455 clean the corner of San Benito and Sixth Streets. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Nonprofits

Community-led spring cleaning beautifies downtown Hollister

Organizations and families pitch in at the “spring cleaning”

Sarah Nordwick (left) and Nancy Frusetta (right) stand with the Mobile Pantry. Photo courtesy of Sarah Nordwick.

Nonprofits

Mobile Pantry makes the rounds

Market-style smorgasbord restores options to those in need of food.

Students watch a presentation in the first week back at school. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Cord.

Children and Youth

Classes resume in Aromas-San Juan School District

Teachers, students and staff glad to be back in person.

A student stocks the San Benito High School pantry. Photo courtesy of Jim Lewis.

Schools & Education

SBHS-Food Bank partnership reintroduces ‘choice,’ removes ‘stigma’

Campus pantry prepares to serve up to 1,000 students and their families.

Ukulele student Sydney Luna poses with school instrument. Photo by Dreia Luna.

Art & Culture

Hollister third graders pluck away in ukulele program

HSD and San Benito Arts Council launch new collaboration.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hollister. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

San Benito Lifestyle

An Easter Sunday back at church

Some San Benito Catholic services celebrate in person.

SBC Water District rain gauge. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Environment / Nature

Rainfall declining in San Benito County

Water district officials discuss possible return to drought conditions.

State Senator Anna Caballero outside Be True Café in Hollister on March 20. She praised the owners for participating in the Great Plates Delivered program. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Government / Politics

State Senator Caballero talks SB 87, vaccine rollout during visit to San Benito

The regional representative made stops in Hollister and San Juan Bautista.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.

Art & Culture

Gavilan College holding its 16th annual piano competition online

Contest that started as local teachers showing off their students has grown to attract entries from throughout the Bay Area.

State Senator Anna Caballero speaks in memory of Joseph "Mr. O" Ostenson. Screenshot of Feb. 22 session of the California Legislature.

Government / Politics

Joseph Ostenson memorialized in state Capitol

State Senator Anna Caballero adjourns in memory of the Hollister music instructor who died in January.

Ann Griffin, a retired teacher, and other volunteers carry items to cars at the Community FoodBank on February, 2021. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Nonprofits

Community FoodBank of San Benito sees big rise in clients

One in four county residents estimated to be food insecure.

Server Alejandra Gonzalez with food from La Catrina for Hazel Hawkins workers. Photo courtesy of Frankie Gallagher.

Nonprofits

Meals for Heroes works to feed Hazel Hawkins Hospital workers

Feeding Hazel Hawkins workers one round at a time, Hollister Downtown Association program pairs up with local restaurants to provide food to frontline workers.

Joseph Ostenson plays the trumpet at the San Benito County Fair, 2013. Photo courtesy of Joseph and Francine Ostenson.

Art & Culture

Remembering Joseph Ostenson

Family and former students speak about Mr. O as music teacher, jazz bandleader, and pillar of the community.

Mars Hill employees Angela Prak, Marisa Lopez, Kassandra Zarate, Abby Chase, Monica Ocampo, Darla Hernandez and Beth Schuster. Photo courtesy of Angela Prak.

Business

Remembering Mars Hill Coffeehouse

Former managers speak on what the cafe meant to Hollister.

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