Author: John Chadwell

City Manager Bill Avera said staff needed to know the council's preferred number of homes that could be built annually in order to update the Growth Management Plan. Photos by John Chadwell.

Local Politics

Hollister City Council aims to reduce market-rate housing

But members are unable to settle on a compromise number.

Parents and educators held signs in silence at the SBHS board meeting on Aug. 14 as speakers spoke of their concerns about alleged incidents in a special ed classroom. Photo by John Chadwell.

Education

SBHS parents and educators speak out on allegations of inappropriate behavior

Special education leader vows to advocate for students who cannot speak for themselves.

Superintendent Diego Ochoa said as a Spanish speaker he could be a familiar voice to convince people to take part in the 2020 Census. Photo by John Chadwell.

Education

HSD Superintendent Ochoa gets pushback on working with 2020 Census

Two trustees object to his wish to volunteer for a city and county effort to maximize turnout.

SBHS Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum said he wanted an opportunity for the district to share with Benitolink as much about the investigation as possible. Photo by John Chadwell.

Education

SBHS superintendent discusses claims of inappropriate behavior in special ed class

Parents have heard allegations of nude photos, a porn video, foul language and bullying, and school administrators say they can't share what actually occurred.

Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez and County Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz cut the ribbon with youngsters from YMCA, officially opening McCarthy Street Park. Photos by John Chadwell.

Recreation

McCarthy Street Park opens

City applies for $16 million in grants to build more parks.

Hollister Councilwoman Honor Spencer announced her intent to run for mayor in 2020 at an Aug. 5 council meeting. Photo by John Chadwell.

Local Politics

Hollister Councilwoman Honor Spencer plans mayoral run

Marty Richman will not seek a second term.

SBC Sheriff deputy Luis Espejo works security at the main entrance to Christmas Hill Park following the Garlic Festival shooting on July 28. Photo courtesy of SBC Sheriff's Office.

Police & Fire

SBC Sheriff deputies respond to Garlic Festival shooting

Officers assisted with security and searching perimeter of the festival.

Supporters of a ban on flavored tobacco products tried to appeal to Hollister City Council at an Aug. 5 meeting. Photos by John Chadwell.

Local Politics

Hollister City Council continues wrestling with flavored tobacco sales

Members vote down a proposed amendment as insufficient; ad hoc committee will go back to the drawing board.

Hollister Police Chief David Westrick, along with principals (left to right) Diana Herbst, Scott Wilbur and Ken Woods, told Hollister School District trustees that school resource officers are part of a team that builds relationships. Photo by John Chadwell.

Education

Principals give high grades to school resource officers

Specially trained Hollister police serve as educators, counselors and mentors to students at several schools.

Hollister residents came together downtown on Aug. 1 to pray and speak regarding the Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting. Photos by John Chadwell.

San Benito Lifestyle (Home, Garden, Food & Culture)

Hollister hosts vigil for Garlic Festival shooting victims

Gathering gives SBC residents a chance to show support in response to Gilroy tragedy.

The management company of the Fairfield Inn at 390 Gateway Drive in Hollister is looking to build a second hotel across the street. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Our Economy

Holiday Inn Express may come to Hollister

New hotel would be across from Fairfield Inn and managed by the same company.

SBHS communications officer Adam Breen said communication has to be transparent, no matter if the message is good or bad. Photo by John Chadwell.

Education

SBHS aims to close communication gap

Communications officer utilizes social media, newsletters and website to keep students and public informed.

Photo courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority.

Transportation

High-Speed Rail Authority will hold August town hall in Gilroy

San Benito County elected officials say they plan to attend.

The 400 block of San Benito Street. Photos by John Chadwell.

Land Use

Deadline passes for mayor to sue over 400 block development

No sign that Velazquez has filed in San Benito County or elsewhere.

Jose Antonio Barajas faces a charge of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, and two counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment in relation to his alleged killing of 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas on Aug. 1, 2014. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police & Fire

Barajas defense asks for motion to examine judge’s handling of case

995 motion to be presented on Aug. 9.

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