Patrons leave the San Benito County Free Library. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Government / Politics

Sheriff’s Department investigating criminal complaint at library

New leadership takes over at the San Benito County Free Library.

Daniel Ellsberg and Reality Winner were joined by Trevor Timm, executive director of Freedom of the Press Foundation to speak about challenges whistleblowers face in the United States. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Nonprofits

BenitoLink attends journalism symposium

Journalists gather at UC Berkeley to participate in panels on whistleblowers, prison reporting and access to information. 

Judge Omar Rodriguez and Chief Resource Officer Margaret Jones-Ryan said they hope the books lowers the stress to families who use the court services. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Children and Youth

San Benito County court library aims to minimize stress for families

Judge Omar Rodriguez hopes the effort helps improve access to court resources.

Superior Court of San Benito County. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Housing / Land Use

Judge tentatively dismisses suits against Betabel project

Commercial project along Hwy 101 proposes developing 26 acres that includes a hotel, restaurant, convenient store and an event center. 

Of the 234 suspensions by Hollister High School in the 2021-22 school year, 96 were for a violent incident, 46 for weapons possession, 54 for illicit drug related, 29 for defiance and 9 for other reasons. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Education / Schools

BL Special Report: San Benito County high schools see an uptick in school violence

Anzar’s program emphasizing wellness and support gets immediate results following a 10-year high suspension rate.

Public Letter

Public Letter: BenitoLink addresses Hazel Hawkins’ rebuttal

Hospital leadership objects to claims made by resident Robert Bernosky in the BenitoLink article, ‘Hollister residents say Hazel Hawkins Hospital lacks transparency.’ 

San Benito Health Foundation President, CEO Rosa Vivian Fernandez said she joined the clinic in 2004 thinking it would only be for a year. Photo by Noe Magaña.

News

San Benito Health Foundation leader addresses health and equity

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s leadership breakfast hosts talk by Rosa Vivian Fernandez.

Richard Perez (left) and Vince Luna (center) at a LULAC event. BenitoLink file photo.

News

San Benito County LULAC Council in conflict and limbo   

Founding member Mickey Luna says the ‘majority’ of members intend to leave and join the Latino Coalition of San Benito County. 

Highway 25 between East Street and Tres Pinos Road. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Transportation

Caltrans seeking input on sculptural concept for Hollister project

Caltrans has two Clean California projects in San Benito County.

Sang Ji at San Benito County Superior Court on July 12. 2019. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

Sang Ji’s murder conviction appeal fails

Hollister man was found guilty in 2020 and sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. 

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, Ca. Photo by John Chadwell

Health

Hazel Hawkins withdraws anticipated closure notice

The district says it's beating its cash projections by more than $11 million between November 2022 and February 2023.

Safeway gas station. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Business / Economy

District Attorney’s office finds no fuel price fixing

An investigation was initiated following complaints that a Safeway employee said the pricing was due to a past litigation settlement that required Safeway to price fuel at the community average.

Flooded Mission Farm RV Park. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Environment / Nature

County evacuates RV Park because of flooding

Jose Montoya recounts how quickly water levels rose and how he managed to save his food truck. 

File Photo. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Health

Hazel Hawkins has operational funds through ‘late summer’

The hospital also announced it has received its first confidential Letter of Interest (LOI) from a prospective partner/buyer.

Brett Miller said his termination was based on a difference of opinion. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Hollister fires its city manager

Brett Miller says it was a difference in opinion that prompted his departure.