SVCT brings door-slamming comedy to local stage
Mistaken identities, slamming doors and a Scottish hitman in a kilt are just a few of the comedic elements audiences can expect in South Valley Civic Theater's upcoming production of “An Unnecessary Farce,” opening April 26.
The plot revolves around two inept police officers conducting...
Around Town: Poppy Jasper International Film Festival concludes successful showing
The annual Poppy Jasper International Film Festival wrapped up its weeklong celebration of film Wednesday with a tour of Hollister wineries, a final film screening and the closing ceremony and audience awards at the Granada Theater in Hollister.
PJIFF executive director Mattie Scariot said this...
Hollister traffic stop leads to arrest for controlled substances
Hollister Police arrested a motorist with a car full of illegal controlled substances after an officer smelled marijuana during a traffic stop, according to authorities.
About 4:25pm March 28, a Hollister Police officer pulled over a vehicle at the intersection of Hillcrest Road and Pinnacles...
Editorial: Earth Day is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action
People globally celebrate Earth Day on April 22, recognizing the urgent need to help our planet. What began in 1970 as a grassroots environmental movement in the United States has since grown into the largest secular observance in the world, involving more than a...
San Benito County warns of rabies detected in dead skunk
San Benito County authorities warned that a dead skunk found recently in Aromas was infected with the rabies virus and anyone who thinks they have been in contact with a rabid animal should take precautions.
The skunk carcass was found at a private residence on...
Sports roundup: Baler baseballers drop two tight ones, remain in third place tie
Hollister HS baseball (9-7 overall, 5-5 PCAL Gabilan)
Recent results: Lost 5-3 at Soledad; lost 4-3 at Monterey
Upcoming games: 4pm April 17 vs. Monterey.
NOTES: Carmel and Palma lead the league, with Hollister and St. Francis tied for third. Monterey is a half game back in...
Hazel Hawkins board declines to pursue bankruptcy appeal
The San Benito Health Care District board of directors on April 8 voted not to pursue an appeal in Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital’s Chapter 9 Bankruptcy case. Instead, the board will continue to focus on finalizing a deal with Insight Health, district officials said...
Letter: Health, not money, should be the focus
Re: International film fest returns to SBC, Free Lance, April 4, 2025
If I could I would make a film about our hospital from the last century to this one for the Poppy Jasper Film Festival. The film might begin with a horse-drawn cart ramble...
Local Scene: Celebrate Earth Day April 19 in downtown Hollister
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,...
Editorial: Community journalism plays a vital role
Welcome to the new format of the Hollister Free Lance community newspaper. We have changed to a tab size to make it more reader friendly and have expanded our local news coverage. We will do more in the future.
The new print edition sports a...

















