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San Benito County Crime & Justice Articles



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Immigrants Learn About Rights and Available Tools

Editor’s note: This article addresses legal issues, but is not intended as legal advice. Lea este artículo en español aquí.The Latino Coalition of San Benito County hosted a session with more than 30 community members who heard about their rights …

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Amber Alert: Child Abduction

Information provided by California Highway Patrol. Lea este artículo en español aquí.Selene Zalvala (7) and Osvaido Sebastian (2) were last seen at Livingston Ave. and San Antonio Dr. in King City. Law enforcement alleges they were taken by Jacqueline Guajardo …

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Magazine Report on Insight Health Raises Questions About Its Practices

Lea este artículo en español aquí.The San Benito Health Care District monthly meeting is scheduled for Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. A damning investigation by The American Prospect magazine into Insight Health claims that the company engages in questionable business …

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Sheriff’s Office Visits Encampments in Riverbed

Lea este artículo en español aquí.Homeless residents have built elaborate living arrangements along the San Benito River, and some of them include underground dwellings and walled communities, according to a recent census conducted by the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. …

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State Finds No Criminal Wrongdoing by Jail Staff in May Escape Case

Lea este artículo en español aquí.The California Department of Justice found no criminal wrongdoing by San Benito County Jail staff in the case of an inmate who escaped on May 28, according to San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor. He …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Santa Clara County Launches New CARE Court

Santa Clara County on Dec. 2 launched its new “CARE Court” process, a 24-month program that offers support for people facing mental health challenges and are at risk of becoming embroiled in the criminal court system.

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Public Defender Oversight Committee Seeking Members

Information provided by the County of San Benito. Lea este artículo en español aquí.The Public Defender Oversight Committee (PDOC) under the approval of the Board of Supervisors has four vacancies available to be filled by community members. The role of …

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City of Gilroy Cleared of Liability in Shooting Deaths at Armendariz Residence

The City of Gilroy has been dismissed from all litigation filed by the families of two young men who died as a result of a 2021 shooting at the home of City Council member Rebeca Armendariz.

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Judge Visits Local Schools

Lea este artículo en español aquí.Though San Benito County Superior Court Judge Omar Rodriguez was 40 miles southeast of his courthouse, he donned his robe and gathered up his blue code book and gavel. Rodriguez was visiting with Panoche Elementary …

Image caption: Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., a staunch defender of voting rights.
The Attack on the Popular Vote

In more than 30 states, it’s harder than ever to vote this year. But in California, it’s never been easier.

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BL Special Report: Restorative Justice Circles Help Incarcerated and at-Risk Youth

Lea este articulo en español aquí.This report is in partnership with the University of Southern California Annenberg Center for Health Journalism as part of a series for the 2024 California Health Equity Fellowship.When Marisol Palomares sets up a room for …

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BL SPECIAL REPORT: Why Do Young People in San Benito County Join Gangs?

Lea este artículo en español aquí.This reporting is in partnership with the University of Southern California Annenberg Center for Health Journalism as part of a series for the 2024 California Health Equity Fellowship. The names of some of the individuals …

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DA Launches New Online Data Portal

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office launched a public data dashboard last week to support what they said will promote “transparency, accountability, and community engagement” within the criminal justice system.

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San Benito County Jail Escapee Captured in San Jose

Daniel Lopez Zavala, who escaped from the San Benito County Jail on May 28, was arrested in San Jose Wednesday night following a regional manhunt, authorities said. 

SanBenitocom logo LOCAL NEWS
San Benito County Jail Escapee Captured in San Jose

Daniel Lopez Zavala, who escaped from the San Benito County Jail on May 28, was arrested in San Jose Wednesday night following a regional manhunt, authorities said. 

Image caption: The California mental health crisis is tied to both homelessness and rising crime.
UPDATE: California’s Mental Health Crisis: How We Got Here

How the California mental health crisis emerged out of the state’s history of deinstitutionalization and laws designed to protect the mentally ill, as well as the communities around them.

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County Approves New Public Defender Contract

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors approved a two-year contract last week with the law offices of Harry Damkar as the new primary public defender in the county. The move comes after a report by the Office of the …

Featured

California cities switch to more inclusive, district-based elections system.
Voting Rights...the Final Frontier
Pushed by activists, cities move from at-large elections to district races.
Access to abortion in California is limited in many areas, though state laws protect a woman’s right to choose.
Abortion Rights in California, Explained
But even in California, access to abortion services in many areas remains limited.
The California mental health crisis is tied to both homelessness and rising crime.
UPDATE: California’s Mental Health Crisis: How We Got Here
The making of Gov. Newsom's plan to help get mentally ill Californians into treatment.
The cycle of crime and homelessness is escalating, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Homelessness and Crime in California: Even More Complex Than You Think
What causes the cycle of homelessness and crime, and how to stop it.
The California Supreme Court has defined the state’s legal and political agenda for more than 170 years.
How the California Supreme Court Blazes Legal Trails
From its beginnings in the Gold Rush, the state Supreme Court continues to define the state today.