Community

A decade ago, California summers brought not only heat, but the threat of rolling blackouts. Extreme heat waves pushed our electricity system to the brink, leaving millions without power when they needed it most.  The story has changed. Thanks to battery energy storage systems (BESS),...

The Community Foundation for San Benito County this week announced the board of directors has appointed Cassandra Kartashov as the organization’s new chief executive officer. Kartashov will begin her new role Nov. 17.  With more than 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership,...

San Benito County is preparing to “take a step back,” in the words of Supervisor Dom Zanger, from its longstanding partnership with the City of Hollister for fire services.  The board of supervisors scheduled a special meeting on March 26 to discuss recent developments in...

Accelerated Achievement Academy was recently named a 2024 California Distinguished Middle School—one of the highest academic honors in the state, says an announcement from the Hollister school.  State Superintendent Tony Thurmond on Feb. 29 recognized 293 middle schools and high schools selected for the 2024...

The Hollister Agricultural and FFA (Future Farmers of America) program has been making waves with its outstanding achievements, student recognition and commitment to agricultural education and sustainability. The program’s success can be attributed to the dedication of its educators, the collaboration with the community...

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...

The new Union Bridge, years in the making, opens Thursday, March 20 to traffic, bicycles and pedestrians. The infrastructure project represents a major improvement to the local transportation system, enhancing safety and mobility for residents and visitors. “This project addresses long-standing traffic concerns in our growing...

The Community Foundation for San Benito County this week announced its board has appointed Kathy Johnson as its interim CEO.  Johnson brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the local foundation, says a press release from the Community Foundation for San Benito...

Thank you for the Free Lance interview of Zoe Lofgren. She deserves every bit of newsprint. I felt proud of her service on the Jan. 21, 2021 commission so when reading the following quote I wondered how Representative Lofgren would feel now: “I considered...

Hollister Police detectives last week arrested a suspect in which a juvenile victim was shot in the shoulder near Third and Sally streets, police said.  About 6:43pm June 6, Hollister Police officers responded to the area of Third and Sally streets on reports of a...