Letter: Taxpayers deserve the truth in transportation
Referring to the U.S.D.O.T. Secretary’s announcement of the federal government investigation of the California High Speed Rail Association’s SuperMassive Black Hole Bullet Train, taxpayers deserve truth-in-transportation, which we are not getting from public sector transit advocates, e.g., CAHSRA high speed rail Trojan Horse Monstrosity.
Taxpayers...
Community Insight: Traffic cop can slow chaos on roads
It’s encouraging to see the Hollister Police Department pursuing the possibility of adding a motorcycle traffic cop to the force in order to crack down on local drivers using our increasingly chaotic roadways.
Heat wave forecast for region through July 6
The first major heat wave of the year is hitting the Bay Area as of Tuesday afternoon.
Most of the Bay Area and neighboring counties are under National Weather Service-issued heat advisories or excessive heat warnings, as temperatures are expected to top 110 degrees inland...
Rancho Santana School reaffirms commitment to art
On a recent morning, Rancho Santana School art teacher Stephanie Skow marveled at the work of her students in advance of the San Benito County Arts Showcase coming April 9 at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister.
Skow showed artwork from all of the...
Around Town: PJIFF welcomes two new board members as it celebrates 20 years
Mattie Scariot, Director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, said she was thrilled to announce the appointment of Jon Fitzgerald and Tasja Kirkwood to the PJIFF Board of Directors during a milestone year—its 20th anniversary. Their appointments bring an exciting blend of industry...
Letter: Volunteering is the vaccine for what ails society
A strange disease has infected us. Upon initial infection the infected person actually feels good. Efforts to stop the spread of this disease are difficult but a vaccine is available.
This disease afflicts us because it is out of balance with something we all love...
Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant is back
The Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant is back for 2026, following a seven-year hiatus.
Online applications are currently being accepted for the pageant, which will take place April 19. The deadline to enter the pageant is 4pm March 16.
To apply for the 2026 Gilroy Garlic Queen...
New San Benito County ordinance expands camping access on private property
The San Benito County Supervisors on June 18 unanimously approved a low impact camping ordinance—a move that proponents say will allow rural landowners the chance to host small-scale camping on their properties.
The ordinance, which will go into effect later this month, will expand access...
Letter: Deport cruelty from the USA
Re: Food security critical on Central Coast, Free Lance, July 11, 2025
“We are all one common group,” clarified Harley Davidson biker wife at rally on San Benito Street, as colorful, stylish, multi-variety models of mechanical two and three wheel wonders paraded.
I assume that one...
Local Scene: Oriana Chorale performs this weekend
Oriana Chorale performs this weekend
San Benito Oriana Chorale will present “Sweet Lovers Love the Spring” at their spring concerts this weekend. Performances are scheduled for 7:30pm May 17 and 3pm May 19 at Christ Fellowship Church, 2066 San Benito Street in Hollister.
Admission to the...


















