San Benito County Community Featured News, Hollister Independent Nonprofit Online News | BenitoLink, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, San Benito County, California

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

Published 10/29/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Andrew Pearson

Organizations pitch in to beautify downtown.

Herman Garcia pulling illegal traps out of the Pajaro River. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Environment / Nature

Herman Garcia pushes for watershed restoration through two controversial projects

Published 10/28/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

CHEER's efforts have cleared out tons of trash and enabled steelhead trout to return to the San Benito River after 75 years.

SBHS world history instructor Frank Perez teaching in the classroom pre-pandemic. Photo courtesy of Frank Perez.

Schools & Education

SBHS teacher contributes to genocide guidebook

Published 10/28/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Carmel de Bertaut

Frank Perez’s approach helps other instructors explore a difficult subject.

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

Published 10/25/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Local adventurer publishes his story of the journey.

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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

Published 10/24/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Patty Lopez Day

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

San Benito Lifestyle

Final evenings set for Hollister drive-in movies

Published 10/22/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

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

Ashley Neuman helps daughter Addyson, a second grader at Cerra Vista, with distance learning while her other children look on. Photo courtesy of Ashley Neuman.

Education / Schools

Parents want input on when to reopen Hollister schools

Published 10/22/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Patty Lopez Day

Mothers share how distance learning has impacted their children.

Scout Cody Silveira with door hangers. Photo courtesy of Bryan Feci.

Children and Youth

Scout-O-Rama goes virtual to gather hundreds for fun and games

Published 10/21/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

A new approach brings three weeks of activities for scout troops and guests.

Amalia Ellis (right) and her mother Kerry. Photo courtesy of Amalia Ellis.

BL Special Report

BL Special Report: The heartbreaking complexities of in-home caregiving

Published 10/18/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

Caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s is an act of love and patience. One local woman shares her story.

Arts Council 2020 Arts Express! Grantee El Teatro Campesino. Photo provided by SBC Arts Council.

Art & Culture

Applications open for COVID-19 Art Relief Grant programs

Published 10/16/2020
Community Contributor, San Benito County Arts Council

San Benito Arts Council offers two grant programs designed to aid and support local arts organizations and cultural groups that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Science

Constellation of the Month: Aquarius the Water Carrier

Published 10/15/2020
Community Contributor, David Baumgartner

David Baumgartner writes about the constellation he calls Aqua-Man and about hosting a Tres Pinos School class to view Saturn.

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

Published 10/15/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, Robert Eliason

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?

Published 10/14/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

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.