Community

A bicyclist died in a collision with a pickup truck in Hollister Oct. 4, according to police. The Hollister Police Department is investigating the crash.  About 5pm, officers were dispatched to Central Avenue and Westside Boulevard in response to reports of a collision involving a...

The San Benito County Fair took place Oct. 2-4 at the Bolado Park Event Center in Tres Pinos.  Local photographer Chris Mora was on the scene, capturing images of the festivities, which included a variety of family-friendly activities, food, entertainment, auctions, raffles and local students...

A mother and daughter who can’t stop butting heads will be forced to stand in each others’ shoes when San Benito Stage Company opens its fall teen musical “Freaky Friday” on Oct. 16 at the Granada Theater. Directed by Aaron Hernandez, the production features a...

Supervisors Dom Zanger, Kollin Kosmicki and recently recalled Ignacio Velasquez have clearly stated their position in support of a slow growth policy in San Benito County. Their concern is with the capacity of our current infrastructure. Two of the three supervisors have been forced to...

A bicyclist died in a collision with a pickup truck in Hollister Oct. 4, according to police. The Hollister Police Department is investigating the crash.  About 5pm, officers were dispatched to Central Avenue and Westside Boulevard in response to reports of a collision involving a...

As business owners check their mailboxes this Halloween season, they shouldn’t have to fear being targeted by a frightening demand letter threatening costly litigation. Yet for too many California businesses, that fear has become a reality.  One of the scariest examples has been the explosion...

For families looking for a day filled with pumpkins, games, animals and plenty of fall fun, the 21-acre Swank Farms in Hollister has become a destination that draws visitors from throughout the region. On Oct. 3, as the day started somewhat cool but promised to...

As San Benito County voters begin to receive their mail-in ballots and election information packets this week, the Free Lance continues to profile candidates for some of the dozens of local races on the Nov. 3 ballot.  This week, our staff profiles candidates for San...

We live in an era where global news is delivered to our pockets in seconds, yet some are increasingly unaware of what is happening in their own neighborhoods. We can track international elections in real time, but many of us couldn’t name our own...

After a landmark season in 2025, the Hollister volleyball team has a young rebuilt squad this year. But they refuse to take a step back and are looking to build on success.  Last campaign’s 20-12 record was the best in seven years and included a...