History & Profiles

Dedication of Vasquez marker. Courtesy of E Clampus Vitus.

BL Special Report

BL Longform: Snyder’s General Store and the downfall of Tiburcio Vasquez 

The raid that led to the capture and execution of an outlaw.

John Chadwell's book is in development to run as a TV series. Netflix is one of the production companies considering the project. Photo courtesy of John Chadwell.

Features

BenitoLink reporter shifts from journalism to screenwriting  

John Chadwell chases his dream. He has been writing novels and screenplays since the late 1980s. 

Norma Martinetti turned 100 years old on Dec. 21, 2021. Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for San Benito County.

History & Profiles

100 years of clear memories

Norma is an amazing example of determination and the will to do good for others.

Features

Looking back at San Benito County’s top stories of 2021

Year two of the pandemic brought vaccinations, the reopening of schools and a partial return to life before the coronavirus.

Emaan "Amy" Abbass. Photo courtesy of HB Investments.

Business

A Hollister native goes global

Emaan ‘Amy’ Abbass is making her mark in feminine wellness and deepening her family bonds.

Antonia Martin, Scott Gilmore's great granddaughter, at the former Gilmore property. Photo by Robert Eliason.

History & Profiles

BL Longform: The exodus of former slaves from Arkansas to Cienega Valley

The Gilmore Colony settles briefly in the Hollister Hills.

"I will be after you in January if you want to come" - Daniel Gilmore to Scott Gilmore. Courtesy of Antonia Martin

History & Profiles

BL Longform: The untold history of Hollister’s Gilmore Colony

County records, newspaper articles and letters describe the formation of an early Black community in San Benito County.

Marcos Vizcaino with prop horse used in "Vertigo." Photo by Robert Eliason.

Art & Culture

‘Vertigo’ returns to San Juan Bautista

The town’s claim to movie immortality is being screened for free on Sept. 25.

Cannon crew. Photo by Robert Eliason

History & Profiles

Annual Civil War Days comes to San Benito County Historical Park

Reenactors bring the reality of conflict to school groups and spectators.

Fewer than hoped for attended the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. Photo by John Chadwell.

History & Profiles

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

The 9/11 ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building was somber as older first responders told of how the national mood has changed in 20 years.

Ishmael Williams riding his donkey. Photo courtesy of the San Benito County Historical Society.

Features

Juneteenth: Ishmael Williams

A teamster, a singer and town friend.

Sal Felice at the driving range he has at home. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Features

Hollister golfer qualifies for U.S. Senior Open Championship

Sal Felice will travel to Omaha in June to compete with 155 other golfers.

State Park interpreter Marcos Vizcaino in the Castro/Breen Adobe. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Features

San Juan Bautista State Park prepares to mark National Museum Month

As COVID restrictions lift, tourists are returning to the city.

About 15 volunteers helped out for two days to paint the compass rose at the Hollister Municipal Airport. Photo by John Chadwell.

Features

Compass rose at the Hollister airport gets a needed paint job

It was last painted 11 years ago.

Ascencion Solorsano on her memorial at Mission San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

History & Profiles

BL Longform: The Saint of Gilroy who helped save her culture and language

Remembering Ascencion Solorsano on the anniversary of her death. Born in San Juan Bautista, she was one of the last Native speakers of the Mutsun language.

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