Author: John Chadwell

Larry Avira said he hopes to recover from his addiction, find permanent housing and get a job at Amazon. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

How a hard-drinking Hollister man has come from living on the streets to sobriety and shelter

Larry Avira believes he is on the road to recovery from addiction and homelessness. He’s looking for permanent housing and a new job.

Sunnyslope County Water District General Manager Drew Lander said the district can't forgive past due bills. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Past-due water bills in Hollister must be paid after Sept. 30

Governor’s 2020 executive order allowed Sunnyslope County Water District customers to keep their taps on despite non-payments during the pandemic.

Image from video released by Hollister Police Department of an officer involved shooting on Dec. 8.

News

Hollister police officer completes training to avoid conflicts involving the mentally ill

Officer Staci Esqueda will work with the Behavioral Health Department on 911 calls.

San Benito High School. File photo by Jake Medina.

News

San Benito High School projects costing $102 million near completion

Voters rejected a $30 million bond in 2020 and two measures with total funding of $62.5 million were not enough to pay for construction, forcing the district to secure a bridge loan to keep construction moving forward.

Superior Court Judge Omar Rodriguez agreed to give attorney Brad Sullivan a 90-day continuance for medical reasons. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

UPDATE: Tentative ruling in Hollister Mayor and council member lawsuit extended 90 days

Judge orders special motion to strike case brought by Irma Gonzalez and Elia Salinas against Mayor Velazquez and Councilman Resendiz but allows plaintiffs to make new claims within 90 days.

Last January, Larry Avira was using drugs and alcohol, and was homeless living near the railroad tracks on the north side of Hollister. On July 8 he was sober, and one of the first to inhabit one of the six transition units just opened. He hopes to apply for a job at the new Amazon facility being built just down the street. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

San Benito County aims to move its homeless population into permanent housing

From modular homes for homeless families, to an encampment for people transitioning from life in the riverbed, the county wants everyone sheltered.

Just as the revenue goes down it can also increase if the county moves forward with more projects. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

San Benito County roads are in line for $9.8 million

The budget drops as projects wind down, and COVID-19 made little impact on revenue.

Hollister Fire Station

News

Hollister Fire Department put out over 24 fires during holiday weekend

Illegal fireworks accounted for over 30 grass and trash can fires throughout the city.

Superior Court Judge Omar Rodriguez agreed to give attorney Brad Sullivan a 90-day continuance for medical reasons. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Lawsuit against Hollister mayor and council member delayed 

The case brought by Irma Gonzalez and Elia Salinas against Velazquez and Resendiz is postponed for 90 days because of their attorney’s illness.

The programs offered from June 2020 to present included high school boys and girl’s varsity water polo, swimming, PE, and SPED Pool. Photo courtesy of Ed Wong.

News

Baler Aquatic Center stays busy during COVID

It’s the only pool in Northern California that’s remained open throughout the pandemic, providing services to locals and other counties.

Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez. File Photo by John Chadwell.

News

New ordinance gives Hollister mayor power to jail council and members of the public

It enables Velazquez to operate more like the mayors of larger cities.

Hillary Craig (left) and Valarie Silva wanted a book that children would understand that promoted a pro-life message based on Christian beliefs and science. Photo by John Chadwell.

Features

San Benito writer publishes pro-life children’s book

Valerie Silva and Hillary Craig create ‘ABC Life in the Womb’ with a strong message.

Teknova. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Teknova goes public

Hollister company worked on developing COVID vaccines.

The LGBTQ community celebrated together with speeches, music and dancing. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

LGBTQ community celebrated in downtown Hollister

There were politicians, singers, a mariachi band and dancers as supporters celebrated LGBTQ Pride month. The city ceremonially raised the pride flag for a second time in front of City Hall.

San Benito County Superior Court Judge Omar Rodriguez swears in Capt. Eric Taylor as the 16th Sheriff for the county. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Eric Taylor sworn in as 16th Sheriff of San Benito County

After 21 years of law enforcement experience, the county’s newest Sheriff told the audience he supports the 14th Amendment, and he will not pick and choose which laws to enforce and which to ignore.

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