Author: John Chadwell

Business / Economy

Hollister Council revokes AgriPharma operating permits

City staff said they discovered multiple violations related to tracking and tracing cannabis products during a surprise inspection.

Thousands of cans wait to be filled with processed tomatoes the morning of Aug. 6. Photo by John Chadwell.

Business / Economy

Meeting between Hollister and San Benito Foods expected on Aug. 10

Interim City Manager Brett Miller said if there is an agreement, it would go to the City Council on Aug. 17.

A temporary order signed June 22 allowed the San Benito Foods tomato cannery in Hollister to begin operations for the 2020 season, but now the facility must shut down by Aug. 8 unless it pays the city $2.5 million. Photo by John Chadwell.

Business / Economy

San Benito Foods to close Aug. 8 if it does not pay $2.5 million operations fee

Attorney argues the cannery’s closure would cause ‘irreparable harm to the community’ by eliminating 450 local jobs.

COVID-19 tent at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. Photo by John Chadwell.

Health

ICU at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital has not reached capacity

Facility recently reduced number of beds to qualify for new funding.

The city of Hollister says the San Benito Foods tomato cannery needs to install equipment to bring down levels of contaminants from its well and pay $2.5 million to remove sludge from holding pond. Photo by John Chadwell.

Justice

San Benito Foods sues Hollister over permit, claims extortion

Hearings delayed twice as Judge Steven Sanders steps aside over conflict; Judge Omar Rodriguez takes over the case Aug. 5.

Hollister first responders taking part in an active shooter drill. They drill regularly for crisis incidents. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Local agencies partner to create Crisis Response Team

Hollister City Council approves funding of one HPD officer for training in mental health protocols to reduce 5150 incidents.

Jung Choi said she was remorseful for her involvement in the killing of Hollister resident Yoon Ji, but that did not sway the judge as he sentenced her to 11 years in prison. Photo by John Chadwell.

Justice

Jung Choi sentenced to 11 years for voluntary manslaughter

She had pleaded no contest to charges in the killing of Hollister resident Yoon Ji.

File photo of Hollister School District Superintendent Diego Ochoa. Photo by John Chadwell.

Education / Schools

Facing budget pressures, HSD cuts school resource officer program

Superintendent Diego Ochoa expects ‘billions of dollars in deferrals for education funding this upcoming school year.’

Councilwoman Carol Lenoir said she began self-isolating on June 25 when she became ill. File photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Hollister councilwoman tests positive for COVID-19

Carol Lenoir said she began self-isolation on June 25 when she became ill.

Caltrans attempted to deal with the South County curve on Highway 25 in 2015, but the rerouted portion of the road collapsed just a few months after opening. Now, repairs aren't expected to happen until at least 2022. Photo by John Chadwell.

Transportation

Caltrans seeks public comments for Highway 25 curve alignment near Pinnacles

Project moving forward after a remedy in 2015 failed.

All Teknova employees must now wear masks and practice social distancing. Photo provided by Teknova.

Business / Economy

Teknova hiring spurred by COVID-19

The Hollister company is now seeking up to 15 people and expects more positions to open in the coming weeks.

County Information Officer David Westrick (right), Supervisors Peter Hernandez (center) and Anthony Botelho (left) announced the plan to give $1.5 million in grants to small businesses. Photo by John Chadwell.

Business / Economy

County to allocate $1.5 million in grants for small businesses

Funds will be managed by the Workforce Development Board and disbursed by Aug. 31.

Construction workers on the roof of new housing units. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Hollister council deadlocked over growth management plan

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez doesn’t want to be ‘bullied’ by Sacramento; Councilwoman Carol Lenoir warns ‘lawsuits are coming.’

Hollister Councilwoman Honor Spencer. File photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Hollister Councilwoman Spencer responds to accusations of unauthorized trip

Members argue over protocols for travel to Washington, D.C.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez said the same group of people keep filing complaints against the city for the money. File photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Hollister council denies harassment claims amounting to $500,000

Mayor defends Councilman Rolan Resendiz against allegations made by resident Irma Gonzalez.

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