Community

About 80 people gathered March 10 in the historic Aromas Community Grange after the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) selected the Pajaro River Watershed as one of five watersheds to pilot the Watershed Resilience Program. The initiative, which is supported by a $2 million...

Longtime local resident Ruth Erickson was recently honored for 40 years of volunteering for the Friends of the San Benito County Free Library.  Erickson became president of the local organization in 1983, and since then has tirelessly volunteered her efforts to successfully build the organization’s...

Local residents and visitors of all ages enjoyed a light breeze and mild temperatures as they celebrated San Benito County’s 150th anniversary on July 27. The celebration took place at the San Benito Historical Park in Tres Pinos, and featured live entertainment, roving artists (including...

A coalition of local, state and national groups will host a pollinator habitat planting community action volunteer event May 2 and 3 at the San Benito County Historical Park in Tres Pinos. Volunteers will be encouraged to spend the morning helping to prepare the soil...

Re: “Trump takes steps to overhaul CA water delivery,” Free Lance, Jan. 24  “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” To get this message, drive over Pacheco Pass anytime.  At the top is that beautiful San Luis Reservoir that used to exist as a vast valley...

I agree with Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner in regard to considering options for Caltrain rail service in the future. In the same vein, Gilroy City Councilmember Zach Hilton must be commended for his effort to work with South County representatives in attempting to...

Smoke from a series of large wildfires burning in Northern California and Oregon is riding steady northerly winds into the Bay Area, lowering air quality to unhealthy levels in much of the region.  The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a Spare the Air...

Learn how to turn your spoiled food, scraps and yard waste into rich, organic compost for your garden at a summer composting workshop on June 3. The workshop will be hosted by San Benito County, and will feature the expertise of area Master Composters,...

Re: Hundreds protest on No Kings Day, Free Lance, June 20, 2025 Never before have I seen such enthusiasm before carrying out a protest or rally. People arrived with a mission to accomplish. Many arrived before noon and remained well into the late afternoon celebrating...

Three Hollister wrestlers participated last weekend in the CIF State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield. Baler grappler Golda Demby finished third in the state in the Girls 190 class and Aaron Rodriguez and Stephen Seymore competed on the boys side. Demby won the Central Coast Section...