tomato cannery

San Benito Foods will be responsible for securing its own wastewater permit. Photo by John Chadwell.

Government / Politics

Hollister Council removes city from responsibility for tomato cannery wastewater

Members terminate industrial water discharge permit granted by regional water board.

Thousands of cans wait to be filled with processed tomatoes the morning of Aug. 6, 2020. Photo by John Chadwell.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: About Neil Jones Food Company

Natasha Wist writes about the tomato cannery in Hollister.

Thousands of cans wait to be filled with processed tomatoes the morning of Aug. 6, 2020. Photo by John Chadwell.

Business / Economy

Meeting between Hollister and San Benito Foods expected on Aug. 10

Interim City Manager Brett Miller said if there is an agreement, it would go to the City Council on Aug. 17.

A temporary order signed June 22 allowed the San Benito Foods tomato cannery in Hollister to begin operations for the 2020 season, but now the facility must shut down by Aug. 8 unless it pays the city $2.5 million. Photo by John Chadwell.

Business / Economy

San Benito Foods to close Aug. 8 if it does not pay $2.5 million operations fee

Attorney argues the cannery’s closure would cause ‘irreparable harm to the community’ by eliminating 450 local jobs.

The city of Hollister says the San Benito Foods tomato cannery needs to install equipment to bring down levels of contaminants from its well and pay $2.5 million to remove sludge from holding pond. Photo by John Chadwell.

Justice

San Benito Foods sues Hollister over permit, claims extortion

Hearings delayed twice as Judge Steven Sanders steps aside over conflict; Judge Omar Rodriguez takes over the case Aug. 5.

Teamsters Local Union No. 890 representative Jorge Valenzuela addresses the crowd in front of Hollister City Hall. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Government / Politics

San Benito Foods employees protest in front of Hollister City Hall

Company is negotiating with the city on water fees related to tomato cannery waste.

Photos courtesy of Betty Cervantes.

Business / Economy

San Benito Foods shuts down operations following roof collapse

Employees evacuated an hour before the incident.

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