Community

Thanks for these tricks and treats in the Free Lance.   The recall effort tries for the trick. Recalling a supervisor shortly after an election seems like a tricky situation. A recall seems as though voters changed their minds rather soon after voting. Since no one volunteered...

A premier northern California focal point for the preservation, enjoyment, instruction and performance of bluegrass music is in San Benito County, where the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival takes place the second weekend of August every year in Tres Pinos.  The 31st annual festival, Aug....

The Hollister School District once again operated a successful Extended School Year (ESY) program for a month of the summer, giving eligible students opportunities to prevent learning loss and keep structured schedules.  The ESY program ran from June 12-July 12 at Rancho Santana School. ESY...

Photographer and filmmaker Kirti Bassendine is bringing her documentary film “Contemporary Indigenous Voices of California’s South Coast Range” to an exclusive audience in Morgan Hill on Jan. 21.  The film explores the cultural practices and personal stories of 10 tribal community members calling attention to...

The San Benito High School District recently acquired 49.68 acres for a second high school.  The property is located south of Wright Road in northwest Hollister, and it meets many of the criteria for a new high school offered through feedback from the 60-member Facilities...

Apply for Arts Express Grant The San Benito County Arts Council is inviting local artists, art groups and art and cultural organizations to apply to their 2024 Arts Express Grant Program for general operations and project-based funding for art programs, projects and activities that will...

In an effort to misinform and dissuade voters, opponents to Measure A tell the public that “Measure A will not slow housing growth.”  Retired officials, a handful of local political party leaders, and even the mayor of Hollister repeat this transparent falsehood. But, if you...

Food insecurity in California ticked upward over the past year, bringing the share of hardship back up to levels early in the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data released by the California Association of Food Banks on Dec. 12. “Families are buying less food,” said May...

Sanchez makes president’s list Jenifer Sanchez, of Hollister, was named to the Southern New Hampshire University president’s list for the spring semester. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the president's...

REACH San Benito Parks Foundation will host the Sixth Annual Anza Trail Moonlight Walk, starting at 5pm on Oct.5. The walk takes place along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail trailhead, and will be highlighted by local astronomers who will provide a...