Special Projects

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.

Sara Spencer and Corina Gitmed at The Smoke Point BBQ. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: Off the Hook Essentials add flavor intensity

Off the Hook Essentials explores new flavor options and expands into seasonings

Alex DeLeon at Mad Pursuit Brewing Co. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: Mad Pursuit brightens the holidays with a host of new beers

Year’s end sees it producing its finest brews yet.

Antonia Martin at the Vineyard School. Photo by Robert Eliason.

San Benito History

BL Longform: The 19th-century Gilmore Colony collapses at the farm

On their own, former slaves and workers move to Hollister to restart their lives.

John Robrock and Mary Margaret Lanning. Photo by Robert Eliason.

BL Special Report

BL Special Report: For seniors, activity is key to preventing falls

Regular exercise can improve reaction time and coordination, build muscles, strengthen bones and increase brain function.

Kathina Szeto at Bene Gifts Hollister. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: Vinegars, oils, and sauces highlight the San Benito Bene label

Hollister shop specializes in locally and regionally produced foods and gifts.

Alexia and Nathan Chang. Photo courtesy of Idyll Time Wines.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: Golden Retriever, Jovial jesters, and Venetian masks celebrate new winery, Idyll Time

Idyll Time Vineyard debuts with three 2019 red wines in its first year of production.

Jerry Ginsburg and Barbara Rever. Courtesy of Oils of Paicines.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: Oils of Paicines serves up delicate flavors

Organic olives from local orchards are picked at the right time for perfect oils.

Michael Simons and Christina Cohen at the Comanche tasting room. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: Comanche Cellars brings the taste of San Benito County to Monterey

The array of San Benito's unique grape varieties are showcased in their Comanche and Dog & Pony wines.

Jim and Mari Rossi. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: B&R Farms showcases the versatile Blenheim apricot

Hollister orchard offers apricot products for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Lauren Strone of Eden Rift. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink Savor: Eden Rift celebrates five new wines at a tasting event

Guests also feast on selections from Smoke Point BBQ.

Patti Gonzales packaging apricots. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: ApricotKing Orchard helps keep the Blenheim apricot alive

The fruit’s thin skin makes it more difficult to harvest and limits its shipping range.

Rebecca and Jose Salinas. Photo by Robert Eliason.

BL Special Report

BL Special Report: Loneliness among seniors during COVID

Isolating to stay safe makes a difficult problem worse.

Ron Siletto. Photo courtesy of Siletto Family Vineyards.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink, Savor: Siletto Family Vineyards is a wonderland for visiting winemakers

The nearly three dozen varietals range from old favorites to the rare and unusual.

Margot Tankersley and her candy. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Eat Drink Savor

Eat, Drink Savor: Chocolates of Kayla’s Kandies

Margot Tankersley makes a line of chocolate-dipped products, including pretzels, marshmallows, Oreos, graham crackers, and locally sourced Blenheim apricots.

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