Community

Marty Richman gave readers a window into his mind and life for nearly seven years as a columnist for the Hollister Free Lance.  Those who read his regular column from December 2007 until October 2014 knew he was brutally honest, immensely analytical and unabashedly bold...

Hollister City Council members considering a proposed medicinal marijuana ordinance should keep in mind that there is no rush to make a final decision. More important, local voters will offer a collective take on recreational pot in November that should ease any political tensions...

About 3,000 people poured into the 13th annual unSCruz gathering May 1-4 at the San Benito County Fairgrounds. The four-day mix of free-style art projects, bizarre vehicles, outlandish costumes, food and drink, music, dance and more went its course this year with a theme...

The San Benito County Office of Education led and organized the first countywide Family Wellbeing Festival March 20 at Veterans Memorial Hall. The festival welcomed more than 400 attendees for an evening focused on mental health, wellness and community support, says a press release...

As the U.S. Senate debates the sweeping legislation known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” it’s worth asking a critical question: who really pays the price for political ambition? For rural communities like ours in San Benito County, the answer may hit closer to home...

The Hollister Police Department will use a $79,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to help make local roads safer, authorities said.  The grant, which was announced by Hollister PD on Nov. 16, will support the department’s ongoing enforcement and education efforts “to...

Infield defense is crucial in softball and Hollister’s Emma Gutierrez has been a key component for the Balers at second base.  Force plays at second, catching a throw and turning to fire to first base for a double play, fielding hard-hit grounders and line drives...

A grant of $1,749,800 from the Valley Health Foundation will help the YMCA of Silicon Valley expand and enhance childcare services for families in Gilroy.  Specifically, the grant—funded through Santa Clara County’s Childcare Expansion Grant Program—will support the renovation of the Gavilan College Child Development...

I am writing to share a special story about my father, Augie Guardino, who brings joy and holiday spirit to our community through his incredible Christmas decorations.  My father loves the movie “Christmas Vacation” and aspires to be the Clark Griswold of Hollister. But our...

About a dozen young girls are spending the month of July practicing a wide range of ballet movements and positions at the San Benito Dance Connection, the result of a merger between Flying Colors Dance and San Benito Dance Academy. Under the tutelage of Artistic...