Environment / Nature

Benitoite. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Features

How San Benito County became ground zero for a rare gemstone

A chance discovery in 1907 yielded a unique precious mineral; now the public can go look for samples on Saturdays.

Photo courtesy of David Baumgartner.

Column

Searching the sky: It’s the same sky anywhere in the world

David Baumgartner writes about how his younger thoughts about astronomy still remain today.

ashurst-ranch. Photo courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield marketing brochure.

Features

53,000-acre ranch in south San Benito County sold

Central Valley farmer Scott Raven purchased the Ashurst Ranch which extends into Fresno County.

Striped racer preying on Western fence lizard at Pinnacles National Park. National Park Service Photo courtesy of Gavin Emmons.

Features

BL Longform: Snakes of San Benito County

18 snake species call San Benito County home.

Commentary

Constellation of the Month: A Maiden in the Sky

David Baumgartner writes about Virgo.

Dan Kerbs collecting bees. Photo courtesy of Iraida Pisano.

Features

Spring brings flowers and swarms of bees to San Benito County

Treated with care, they present no threat and can be preserved.

The Cub Scouts and adult Den Leaders of Pack 455 clean the corner of San Benito and Sixth Streets. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Nonprofits

Community-led spring cleaning beautifies downtown Hollister

Organizations and families pitch in at the “spring cleaning”

Commentary

Searching the sky: The moon is submerged by a shadow

David Baumgartner writes about the lunar eclipse happening this month.

(L-R) Steve Dunbar, Edie Matson, Terry Giannetto, and Connie Bishop (Vera's niece) plant a fig tree in Vera Bradley Frass's honor. Photo courtesy of Barbara Taddeo.

Features

Hollister resident continues 16-year Earth Day tradition

Barbara Taddeo plants trees to honor departed family and friends.

Michelle and Rick McCain by a Leucospermum. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business

Exotic plants from around the world thrive in Aromas microclimate

Wild Ridge Organics specializes in rare and hard-to-grow natural wonders.

Pinnacles National Park has over 400 species of bees. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

Environment / Nature

Earth Day at Pinnacles

Over 65% of the national park is federal wilderness.

Oya Tomatoes.jpg

News

UC Master Gardeners announces several upcoming classes and events 

Online classes are free or low-cost.

Fremont Peak and the Gabilan Range. Photo courtesy of Jim Ostick.

San Benito Lifestyle

BL Longform: Fremont Peak reopens to camping and recreation

A home to foxes, bumblebees, sparrow hawks and early California soldiers.

A giant furnace used to extract mercury for over 100 years at New Idria. Photo by John Chadwell.

San Benito Lifestyle

Sunset Magazine writer ventures to New Idria

Road washout forces her to go off-roading to reach destination.

Rudy Picha, Jasmine Salazar and Victor Espinoza during the Hollister Litter Project street cleanup on March 20. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

San Benito Lifestyle

Hollister residents clean up the streets

32 locals participate in Hollister Litter Project’s first event.

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