Robert Rivas sworn in as California Assembly speaker
It’s a day that seemed like it might not ever happen: Robert Rivas was sworn in Friday morning as speaker of the California Assembly.
The ascension of the Hollister Democrat—who represents the 29th Assembly District—to lead the lower chamber of the Legislature brings to a...
On top of his game
Jimmy Shrull has never sold a roof, but he’s put up untold thousands of them as owner of Jimmy Shrull Roofing Inc. of Gilroy. For his business, the story of a five-generation family enterprise and the building of lifelong relationships in the community, has done the selling itself.
Dispatch’s new associate publisher
Jeannette Close has been named the associate publisher at New SV Media and will head up all advertising and circulation at the Gilroy Dispatch, the Morgan Hill Times and the Hollister Free Lance. She is based out of the Gilroy Dispatch office in downtown Gilroy.
Bookstore prepares for final chapter
The final chapter of BookSmart may soon be written.
Citing mounting debt following a move from downtown Morgan Hill to East Dunne Avenue, BookSmart owners Brad Jones and Cinda Meister face the imminent closure of their Morgan Hill mainstay.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Meister said. “This is our...
Owl release draws huge crowd
A pair of young wild barn owls were reunited with Mother Nature Sunday thanks to the efforts by the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center. Dozens of people took part in an upbeat send-off party at Little Uvas Vineyards in San Martin.
The hour-long twilight gathering...
Blankley holds lead for Gilroy mayor in early vote count
Initial results from the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters show incumbent Marie Blankley leading in the race for mayor of Gilroy in the Nov. 5 election, with incumbent Zach Hilton leading the count in the six-candidate field for three city council seats.
As of...
Roundabout construction continues at Highways 25, 156
Construction of a new traffic roundabout at the intersection of State Routes 25 and 156 near Hollister continues this week with work taking place behind protective concrete barriers, according to the California Department of Transportation.
Recently installed K-rail at all four approaches to the construction...
Neon Exchange reopens with new addition
The Neon Exchange, a co-working space inside an historic hotel in downtown Gilroy, was open for six months and hitting its stride when it was forced to shut down due to the Covid-19 shelter-in-place order.
The female-focused space, which provides various workstations and desks that...


















