Community

As the days become shorter, trees start to change their colors and the crisp of fall appears in the morning air, that means many San Benito County residents’ favorite seasonal pastimes are on the horizon. That includes the many events, activities and farmstand shopping...

Caregivers who work at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital are rallying to have their pensions, healthcare plans and vacation time restored after the hospital cut the benefits as part of a 2023 bankruptcy filing, says the union that represents the employees.  Hundreds of employees of HHMH—including...

Celebrate Earth Day San Benito County’s Earth Day celebration will take place 11am-2pm April 19 in downtown Hollister. The event will include booths hosted by local clubs, businesses and organizations; games; art; performances and free recycling programs. More than 30 booths will offer environmental programs,...

Hollister Police arrested a woman for animal cruelty after she refused to obtain treatment for a severely ailing pet that was in her care, according to authorities.  About 2pm March 22, Hollister Animal Control officers responded to a call for a welfare check on a...

Hundreds of California native pigeons have died this winter due to a parasitic disease, announced state wildlife officials on Feb. 23.   California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said they’ve noticed an increase of reported sick and dead band-tailed pigeons since early February, mostly around...

I was sorry to read the article, “Locals celebrate highway opening” in the latest Free Lance (June 13 edition), as well as the letter calling the California High-Speed Rail a “boondoggle.” Supervisor Kosmicki is correct in saying Highway 156 will “drastically” improve our quality of...

Re: Changing Rules & Cherry Picking Free Lance, July 4, 2025 Most people like to play Monopoly. It is a fun way to learn about the economy. One thing we learn is to stay out of jail. Jail happens when we land on the Jail...

Latin Night Dance Parties continue The San Benito County Arts Council’s new series of Latin Night Dance Parties take place at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse, 401 McCray St., #B24 in Hollister. Attendees can learn Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Cumbia. All levels of dance experience welcome, no...

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...

In a recent letter from the San Benito Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, local elected officials from various jurisdictions notified the public that the San Benito Healthcare District—which oversees Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital—is no longer participating in meetings with the committee as of Feb. 27.  The March...