Community

Election results certified by the San Benito County Registrar of Voters’ office on June 26 confirm that Supervisor Ignacio Velazquez has been recalled from office, barring any potential recount that might reverse the official outcome.  On the District 5 recall measure on the June 2...

Police arrested a man in Hollister who brandished a firearm while challenging two men to fight outside a local business, authorities said. Hollister Police officers responded to a report of an altercation on June 19. The investigation found that the tension began after the suspect’s...

Rani Douglas knew she had found something special the moment she walked to the top of the 10-acre property that would become Gabilan Ridge Winery. It was April, the hills were green, the oak trees were towering and the panoramic views of the Cienega...

The 2026 Hollister Independence Rally is coming up July 3-4 in downtown Hollister, weeks after the San Benito County Civil Grand Jury released a report criticizing aspects of the city’s planning for last year’s rally.  Mayor Roxanne Stephens said this year’s rally will follow roughly...

Emily Drost—a local volunteer, youth mentor and rodeo competitor—was named Miss San Benito Rodeo and will compete for the title of Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026.  Drost will compete against five other contestants hailing from throughout the Central Coast. The 2026 Miss California Rodeo Salinas...

Re: “challenged ballots,” Free Lance, June 19.  I am confused. The extraordinary number of candidates running for governor was daunting but not confusing. The number of women running in most races was heartwarming but not confusing. The length of the ballot was challenging but not...

Downtown Hollister filled with cattle, classic cars and color guards June 20 as the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo kicked off its annual Downtown Parade, a tradition tied to a rodeo dating back to 1929. The parade began at 11am along San...

With a deadline looming for San Benito County voters to correct their damaged or challenged ballots in the June 2 election, “yes” votes maintain a slim majority on the measure to recall District 5 Supervisor Ignacio Velazquez.  The latest unofficial election results update from the...

After responding to a shoplifting attempt at Ulta Beauty in Hollister, police arrested two suspects who are likely connected to an organized retail theft operation that targeted retail stores in both Hollister and Gilroy, authorities said.  On June 21, four Hollister Police officers responded to...

The Hollister Police Department launched a new Citizen RIMS Public Information Portal, providing residents with up-to-date data on police activity and public safety incidents throughout the community.  The new, free website allows the public to easily find out why patrol cars and fire engines recently...