San Benito Lifestyle

South Valley Community Church volunteer Julie Carpenedo, Sunnyslope 4-H leader Sheryl Wenzlik, 4-H All-Stars Samantha Slykas and Makayla Wenzlik, and 4-H leader Jennifer Kelly. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

San Benito Lifestyle

Volunteers gather for Hollister fall cleanup

Organizations pitch in to beautify downtown.

Jim Ostdick at Crater Lake Rim. Photo courtesy of Jim Ostdick.

Art & Culture

Q&A: Jim Ostdick’s 2,650-mile hike from Mexico to Canada

Local adventurer publishes his story of the journey.

The homes decorated for Halloween on Severinsen Street in Hollister look great day or night. Photo by Patty Lopez Day.

San Benito Lifestyle

Halloween on horizon for San Benito County

While the pandemic has changed how the spooky holiday will be celebrated this year, there are still several events planned in the coming days.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.

San Benito Lifestyle

Final evenings set for Hollister drive-in movies

‘Goosebumps’ and ‘Hocus Pocus’ screenings slated before Halloween.

A 2019 workshop on making ofrendas (altars) for Dia de los Muertos. Photo courtesy of El Teatro Campesino.

Art & Culture

El Teatro Campesino hosts online workshops for Dia de los Muertos

Participants learn how to design ofrendas for deceased loved ones.

Former Hollister city manager Bill Avera shows a map of the earthquake zone that runs down San Benito Street. Photo by John Chadwell.

San Benito Lifestyle

Is Hollister ready for the next big one?

With the 31st anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake on Oct. 17, former city manager Bill Avera takes BenitoLink on a downtown walking tour to discuss retrofitting.

Ridgemark resident Lionel Brooks teaches his grandson Zaden how to play golf. Photo by Julia Hicks.

Sports & Recreation

Golfers teeing up at local courses during pandemic

San Juan Oaks and Ridgemark see more players as people look for outdoor activity.

Alexa Gomez with a large sunflower at Swank Farms. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

Swank Farms opens for fall fun

A local tradition refreshes their approach in light of COVID-19.

Ann-Marie Sayers. Photo by Kirti Bassendine.

San Benito Lifestyle

BL Longform: Mutsun people dream of returning to their ancestral land

Few indigenous families still live in San Benito County.

Aiden Castaneda. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Sports & Recreation

Racing to build a running track at San Juan School

Students and community team up to raise funds.

San Benito County Fair. File photo.

San Benito Lifestyle

Modified San Benito County Fair set for October

This year’s festivities will take place online and in person.

R.R. Conkin's Auto Bus

San Benito Lifestyle

RV living: more drawn to mobile lifestyle

Full-timers discuss how the lifestyle works for them. Increase in remote workers and distance learning families.

2020 Census poster at a bus stop on Fourth Street in Hollister. Photo by Leslie David.

Art & Culture

Local artist lends a hand in census efforts

Bryan West creates posters in English and Spanish to help spread the word with just two weeks left in the nationwide survey.

Rob Reed (left) readies his RC plane for flight. Photo by John Chadwell.

San Benito Lifestyle

Piloting planes on a smaller scale

Academy of Model Aeronautics flies remote control aircraft in San Benito skies.

Ginger Russo, Mary Regalo, and bakery owner Dianne Hampton. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Food / Dining

San Juan Bakery overwhelmed by customers and love

Third Street staple reopens after nearly six-month hiatus.

SEE MORE SAN BENITO LIFESTYLE