John Chadwell, Author at BenitoLink

ShotSpotter claims it allows law enforcement to respond shootings quickly. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Gunshot detection system gets mixed reviews nationally

Published 02/13/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

The Shotspotter acoustic gunshot detection system will eventually come back to Hollister City Council for a vote. If approved, the first year will cost nearly $50,000 to monitor one square mile of the city.

Hollister City Council decided to allow any business in the city to apply for low-interest loan. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Hollister council revises low-interest loan program for a second time

Published 02/10/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

It makes two changes to the program in hopes of attracting more interest from business owners.

Rosalinda Hernandez told the supervisors how she rushed home from work in Gilroy to help her 6-year-old daughter and 86-year-old mother out of her flooded home. Image from the meeting video.

Housing / Land Use

Flood victims share stories, ask San Benito County agencies for help

Published 02/08/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

While they are being housed at the Migrant Center until Feb. 28, families say they don’t have anywhere to go after that.

Hazel Hawkins will need to stay financial afloat for up to nine months should there be a sale. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Hazel Hawkins signs non-disclosure agreement

Published 02/06/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

A transition would take time, costing millions. Weighed down with COVID expenses, the hospital is set to renegotiate its union and physician contracts and could close seven clinics in Hollister and San Juan Bautista.

Hollister City Council approved the design and over $236,000 price for the sign and a city employee stopped it from being installed. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Hollister sign installation stopped

Published 01/30/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Workers were told to halt by a city employee who knew nothing about the project.

Health

Hazel Hawkins faces more criticism over handling of fiscal emergency

Published 01/27/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Interim CEO Mary Casillas says the board has a ‘master plan’ to save the hospital, but does not give details.

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital interim CEO Mary Casillas told the audience that all options were on the table to save the hospital, including discontinuing services such as the Home Healthcare Department, which will close Jan. 31, and leasing or selling nursing facilities.

Health

Hospital officials outline funding efforts, scenarios

Published 01/24/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Hazel Hawkins scrambles for funding while acknowledging possibility of closure.

Former police chief Ron Teachman told Hollister City Council the ShotSpotter system could be activated in six to eight weeks.

News

Hollister considers technology to detect gunshots

Published 01/21/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

ShotSpotter aims to provide faster response times, additional investigative tools and increased safety for police officers.

Jessica Diane Chacon Aviles leaves courtroom with her attorney after the hearing delayed until February. Photo by John Chadwell.

Hollister woman facing hit-and-run charges gets February court date

Published 01/20/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Her lawyer says he has yet to receive and analyze audio-video and phone records.

For the first time in history, women make up the majority of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Majority women San Benito County supervisors make immediate impact

Published 01/18/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Mindy Sotelo becomes board chair and Angela Curro becomes vice chair.

Evacuees checking in at Veterans building. Photo by John Chadwell

News

Veterans and community step up to help Hollister evacuees

Published 01/17/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Communications problems between county government and community were offset by generosity and volunteerism of businesses, community members, and veterans.

Waters rose rapidly in the Lovers Lane area after cresting the levee along Pacheco Creek. Residents declined to leave the area. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Pacheco Creek crests near San Felipe Road

Published 01/15/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Search and Rescue teams patrolled flooded roads, rescuing three people, evacuation center remains empty. Some residents stay, despite orders to leave.

A person drives a tractor through a flooded road. Photo by John Chadwell.

Environment / Nature

Residents and pets rescued along Lovers Lane

Published 01/10/2023
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

A joint task force made up of sheriff’s deputies, Hollister Police, CalFire, and county Search and Rescue brought dozens of residents out of the flooded area.