Community

In a fast-paced world often defined by digital interactions and fragmented routines, community festivals and local events serve as powerful reminders of what truly binds us together: shared experiences, cultural expression and human connection.  These gatherings, whether a neighborhood block party, a cultural celebration or...

After an 18-year absence, Gavilan College reinstituted its women's soccer program in 2023. Javier Alejo, a Gilroy High graduate who played on the Gavilan men's soccer team, was named the head coach.  The program slowly came back to life and won its first match last...

The suspension and then the reinstatement of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has dominated national conversations this past week. For some, it is just another celebrity controversy; for others, it raises questions about accountability in media and entertainment. For us here in the community, it...

The 35th annual Red Ribbon Run and Festival brought hundreds of people to downtown Hollister Oct. 18 to help raise awareness of substance abuse prevention and education in San Benito County.  The event’s signature 3k Fun Run started at 8am at the Veterans Memorial Building...

Reading your piece (Sept. 5 Free Lance), “Clowns stage theatrical protest at bomb component facility” got my attention. I could visualize the glittery jackets and red noses and plungers but the point of the antics was no laughing matter. Seriously, the point of the plungers...

Hollister Police Animal Care and Services will adjust the public hours of operation at the Hollister Animal Shelter, the police department announced Sept. 30. Beginning immediately, the shelter will be open to the public from 12-5pm, Monday through Friday.   The temporary adjustment is necessary due...

With thousands of San Benito County residents set to lose their CalFresh benefits due to a suspension of federal funding, local organizations and service providers are preparing for a surge in the need for food assistance this month.  On Nov. 4, the board of supervisors...

On the morning of Thursday, Sept. 11, Hollister FFA students continued the tradition of placing flags on Senior Mound to represent the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The recognition was a lunchtime ceremony in the main campus quad in commemoration of Patriot Day,...

Every teacher in California wants their students to be able to read. But too often, we’re not given the tools to provide effective reading instruction.  While serving as an English language arts/English language development teacher on Special Assignment for Gilroy Unified School District, our Las...

The owner of a 23-acre property on Highway 101—where the Betabel Commercial Development proposal has been the subject of an environmental study and lawsuit—recently filed an application to change plans to allow hundreds of new homes.  Property owner McDowell Family Trust and architect Henry Ruhnke...