Author: John Chadwell

Alfredo Zendejas talks to his court-appointed attorney Rohn Barrow. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Suspected drive-by-shooter facing murder, attempted murder charges

District attorney says if convicted, Alfredo Zendejas could get 100 years to life in prison. 

Watsonville Community Hospital in Watsonville. Google Maps Photo

Business / Economy

Could Watsonville hospital serve as a blueprint for saving Hazel Hawkins?

Filing for bankruptcy about a year ago, Watsonville Community Hospital gathered $40 million in financial assistance from local governments, healthcare facilities and businesses. 

Trucks pull in and out all day Jan. 2, 2023 as Project Almond progresses. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Tenant of jumbo fulfillment center still not revealed

While everyone involved remains mum about what company will inhabit the 1.05 million square foot building, clues abound and still point to Amazon.

The nurses voiced their concerns for the lack of transparency on the part of the board. Photo by John Chadwell.

Health

Hazel Hawkins staff asks board to ‘take the ego out’ 

They voice concerns over supply shortage, reimbursement ‘black hole,’ and board transparency.

Even though there was no official rally in 2019 hundreds of bikers still came downtown. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Despite voters’ support, police shortage makes Hollister biker rally unlikely

Police Chief Carlos Reynoso says nothing has changed since his April report that he has been unable to find officers to provide security.

Brandon Hill comes into court to learn he has been declared incompetent to stand trial. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Hollister man shot by police committed to state mental hospital

Judge Patrick Palacios ruled Brandon Hill was mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Mary Casillas, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital interim CEO, warned the supervisors if the hospital closed the county would be responsible for the cost of transporting people to hospitals in other counties. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Supervisors approve $2.24 million advance to Hazel Hawkins

County treasurer says the hospital would normally receive half of that figure in December anyway, making the advance only about $1.1 million.

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital interim CEO Mary Casillas told the San Benito County Board of Supervisor that all options are on the table to save the hospital from bankruptcy. Photo by John Chadwell.

Health

Board of Supervisors to consider financial assistance to hospital

While Hazel Hawkins is requesting a $10 million loan, supervisors say they were concerned they wouldn’t get that money back. 

Government / Politics

Hollister City Council members sworn into office

Mayor Mia Casey joins returning councilmembers Dolores Morales and Rolan Resendiz, and treasurer Gordon Machado.

Francisco Diaz, second to left, observes the recount on Dec. 9. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Recount continues for Hollister City Council District 2 race

Candidate Celeste Toledo-Bocanegra says she wanted to compare the machine count to a hand count.

Supervisor Bea Gonzales has met with hospital and asked that the county consider their loan request. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Hazel Hawkins seeking $10 million loan from County

Supervisor Bea Gonzales is at odds with Supervisors Kollin Kosmicki and Peter Hernandez over whether the county should lend $10 million to the hospital, but their decision will likely be delayed until January.

File photo. In May 2021 San Benito County Sheriff deputies and county representatives notified residents living in the San Benito Riverbed like Robert Orabune to relocate. Photo by John Chadwell.

Housing / Land Use

County receives $2.4 million for homeless family housing 

California’s HomeKey program will purchase 11 factory-built homes.

BenitoLink Special Report

BL Special Report: Grant gives neighborhoods hope for drinkable water

Wells are contaminated with arsenic, manganese and E. coli.  

The first phase of 55-unit Santana Ranch Apartments was completed in September but because of PG&E delays won't be available until late January 2023. Photo by John Chadwell.

Housing / Land Use

Phase 2 of Santana Ranch Apartments moves forward

When completed there will be 104 affordable and six low-income apartments.

Someone wrote "please do not enter" near the Briggs Building stairs and left a can and a bag full of things. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Hollister council approves penalties for misuse of public parking lots

Misuses ranging from camping, vandalism, skateboarding and throwing objects off the top of Briggs Building lead to adopting ordinance to punish offenders.

Prev12345…75Next