Family was trying to get help for Pentagon shooting suspect Friday, March 05, 2010 By Melissa Flores San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill today stressed that John Patrick Bedell's family was aware the 36-year-old was suffering from mental illness and that they were attempting to get him help. "The family was working with their son on mental issues," Hill said at a 12:30 p.m. news conference at the board of supervisors chambers. Read More......

Photo by Lora Schraft Sheriff Curtis Hill speaks to reporters Friday at the County Administration Building. Hill limited his comments to a missing person's report, filed by the suspected shooter's family in January, handled by the sheriff's office in January. The FBI is overseeing the follow-up investigation.

First 5 Preschool teacher Jeanette Wright leads her class through the days of the week Tuesday morning during the daily circle time. Funding for First 5 California and county commissions such as First 5 San Benito is again threatened by state budget cuts. First 5 San Benito offers preschool programs, health and safety classes, teen parenting classes and more by partnering with other agencies on a three-year cycle.

Photo by: Nick Lovejoy

Funding future uncertain for state and county commissions

Once again, funding for the First 5 California as well as county First 5 offices is uncertain.

"We just got a note last week from the new Department of Finance revenue projections and they are projecting a 10 percent change in our revenue," said Casey Castillo, the director of First 5 San Benito. "The big threat this year is that they are threatening to take 50 percent of revenues from the local counties and doing a one-time sweep of $308 million from the state."

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Residents listen intently to information about county and city programs to help first-time homebuyers.

Photo by: Nick Lovejoy

County and city partner for housing expo

First day set up to help distressed homeowners

Residents in danger of foreclosure found a variety of resources gathered at the Veterans Memorial Building Feb. 25 as part of the 2010 City/County Housing Expo. The two-day event focused on foreclosure intervention the first day and on programs for potential homebuyers on the second day.

"We are excited to have these resources here," said CJ Valenzuela, the housing program coordinator for San Benito County. "The targeted audience will get a quality level of education."

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A colorful rainbow forms over fields after a rainy day.

Photo by: Nick Lovejoy

Winter weather persists

After some drier weather, rain returned to Hollister on Tuesday, with 0.63 inches falling at a monitoring station just outside Hollister
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Watchdogs sought for jury

County grand jury recruitment process seeks diverse input

Community watchdogs are sought for the 2010-11 San Benito County Grand Jury, which investigates and makes recommendations for how to improve local government agencies.

"Whether it's local, regional or national, everyone has a concern with how public dollars are being spent," said Gil Solorio, executive officer for the county's superior court. "The grand jury allows people to bring their individual opinion which can then be melded into a collective opinion regarding those processes that use public dollars. It's really an avenue for local review of the local process of public agencies."

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Photo by Karissa Lopez Eric Wittry, left, and Jacob Oates of Inevitably Spicy perform at the Battle of the Bands on Feb. 27.

Battle of the Bands showcases local talent

Event allows young musicians to play for prizes

At 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 at San Benito High School, the deep red velvet curtains in the auditorium rose and the Battle was on. The Battle of the Bands, which lasted until 10 p.m., was a showcase of music by young aspiring local high school bands that love music, and were determined to win.

While Inevitably Spicy lead vocalist Jacob Oates, and lead guitarist Erik Wittry, the president of the Rock Guitar Band, sat in the lobby attempting to sell merchandise and promote their band, they tried to keep a positive outlook on the competition.

"Well, I know we won't get seventh place because there are only six bands," Oates said.
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Unclaimed tax refund deadline nears

Nearly 160,000 refunds are due to Californians

Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $1.3 billion are awaiting nearly 1.4 million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2006, the Internal Revenue Service announced this week.

However, to collect the money, a return for 2006 must be filed with the IRS no later than April 15, 2010.

Nearly 160,000 unclaimed refunds are due Californians, totaling more than $150 million - a median refund of $554.

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Project to add lane to Hwy. 101

VTA project to ease congestion in east San Jose

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has secured $4.365 million of funding for a project designed to ease traffic congestion on Highway 101 in east San Jose.

Construction of the first phase of the U.S. Highway 101-Yerba Buena to Interstate 280 Project will begin in earnest this spring and includes adding a lane on southbound U.S. 101 from south of Story Road to north of Capitol Expressway and reconstruction of the U.S. 101/Tully Road interchange.
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