Skydive Hollister offers thrills and good vibes

Under new ownership, it offers tandem and solo jumps. Skydiver Gustavo Pio is all smiles after a tandem jump at Skydive Hollister. Photos by Heather Graham. Have you ever dreamed of skydiving? There’s a place in town that’s happy to help you make that dream a reality: Skydive Hollister. They provide tandem jump experiences as well as solo jumps and fun jumps. Asked what prompts a person to jump out of an airplane, co-owner Ronaldo Tkotz said, “Ultimately it’s always a celebration. Sometimes

Top Hatters MC race tricycles in fundraiser

The second annual “Trike Night” happened downtown during Hollister Rally. The last thing you’d expect to see at the Hollister Rally is a bunch of grown bikers riding tricycles in a parking lot, but lo and behold it happened on July 5—and for a good cause. Trike Night is just one example of how the Top Hatters Motorcycle Club contributes to the Emmaus House, San Benito County’s only domestic violence shelter for women and children. “They have adopted us as one of the charity organizations that

Hollister’s architectural identity is downtown

David Huboi is a local architect and avid musician, a self-described renaissance guy who likes to do things old school. That includes his preference for drafting with pencil and paper rather than with a computer. “With my architectural background, the reason why I got to be where I am is because of my penchant for drawing by hand, and kind of an eye for design stuff,” Huboi said. “I’m not the greatest designer in the world. My partner is better. But what I’m really good at is drawing and sketch

Artist Ronald Rocha breathes new life into Hollister’s Whiskey Creek mural

Veterans and biker legends among those depicted. Artist Ronald Rocha got his creative start the way many artists do. His teacher put art supplies in his hands when he was eight years old, and the rest is history—our history. While working on the revival of the Whiskey Creek Saloon mural, Rocha, 79, didn’t have to look far when seeking help from another artist. His nine-year-old great-granddaughter, Eeleah, worked on “The Wild One” portion of the mural. Rocha said the mural “is mainly dedicate

Father’s Day car show brings out Hollister’s finest vehicles

Enthusiasts of all ages gather in church parking lot to behold the glory of classic models. Some of Hollister’s finest vehicles were on display June 15 at the Father’s Day Weekend Car Show. It’s been an annual affair since 2004—and held this year at Abundant Life Foursquare Church at 790 Bolsa Road. “We started at what’s now South Valley Church out by Corbin,” said event organizer and church member Richard Hershey. “Pastor Don Skow had the vision to do a Father’s Day Car Show.” Said Pastor Bo

GardenShoppe hosts Vino with Vinnie

Pet Friends to receive 25% of bar proceeds on event days. On June 12 and 19, The GardenShoppe is hosting Vino with Vinnie, a chance for residents to shop for a local assortment of wine and beer while supporting an animal-related cause. The events begin at 3 p.m. to coincide with the Hollister Farmers’ Market, and will go until 10 p.m. when the shop closes. According to the shop’s event page, 25% of bar proceeds from the events will be donated to animal nonprofit Pet Friends. Well-behaved dogs

Protesters picket public health department over vaccine exemption bill

Parents oppose SB 276, saying it puts medically fragile children at risk. Protesters speak with onlookers outside of the San Benito County Public Health Services office during a May 31 protest. Photos by Heather Graham. SBC Public Health Services Public Information Officer Sam Perez (third from left) debates the importance of vaccinations with protesters, Deanna, Charlene, and Agnes. A group of demonstrators, some clad in yellow vests, gathered outside San Benito County Public Health Services

San Benito High School hosts first adult education graduation

A ceremony honoring students who returned to high school to earn their diploma. Elaine Klauer, Rafaela Espinoza, and Sharon Finley welcome graduates and their families. San Benito High School hosted its first Adult Education graduation ceremony on May 30 in the campus library. It celebrated the accomplishments of students who returned to high school to complete courses necessary to earn a diploma. The program offers adults and teenage parents up to 90 units’ worth of high school credits in En

Gavilan College holds 99th commencement ceremony

Over 400 graduates cross the stage; speakers offer advice and inspiration. Just over 400 graduates appeared in sunny but blustery weather and crossed the stage one by one at Gavilan College’s 99th annual commencement ceremony on May 24. According to the school’s Facebook page, 990 students in total petitioned to graduate, and the school awarded 1,593 degrees and certificates. San Benito County Junior College was established in 1919 and operated under this title until 1963, when a community col

Student selected for final Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee seat

Caleb Dixon, a political science major at Gavilan College, was the sole student nominee for the last seat on the Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee. The committee will oversee the spending of funds from the $248 million school bond San Benito and Santa Clara County voters approved in 2018. “It’s a very large amount of money going to Gavilan, so I’m trying to see if the funds are being used correctly,” Dixon said. He is also the student nominee for vice president of the Inter Clubs Council,