Community

Three California hospitals that declared bankruptcy earlier this year are hashing out deals that could bring back or save much-needed health care services for their communities.  Defunct Madera Community Hospital in the San Joaquin Valley, cash-strapped Beverly Community Hospital east of Los Angeles and Hazel...

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...

A 31-year-old Hollister woman suffered major injuries in a head-on crash on Highway 129 in Santa Cruz County east of Watsonville early Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was reported at about 5:40am Aug. 23 on Highway 129 east of Murphy...

A driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI after rear-ending another car on Highway 25, resulting in a three-vehicle collision Aug. 17, according to the California Highway Patrol. About 12:33am Aug. 17, a silver Honda Accord was traveling south on Highway 25, just north of...

Hollister Police are investigating a shooting that left an adult victim gravely wounded over the weekend, authorities said.  No suspect or suspects have been arrested in the shooting, to which officers responded at about 8:30pm Aug. 19 on the 600 block of Seventh Street, according...

Water softeners reduce the “hardness” of the water in your household, which can have several benefits for consumers. Less soap and detergents are needed for laundry and cleaning. There is less staining, spotting and scaling on appliances. Clothes last longer and there are energy...

Re: Fire on the hill, Free Lance 8/11/23 “Fire on the hill,” headlines partnered with the front page photo of a firefighter pummeling a blaze gripped my attention, as I had just watched a TV news program showing that Lahaina in Hawaii had been destroyed...

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing disaster assistance to small businesses and persons in San Benito County that were affected by the winter storms earlier this year. The SBA is offering low-interest loans to those who suffered damage or financial loss due...

The Hollister City Council voted Aug. 7 to partner with Sunnyslope Water District and approve wastewater service for the future Gavilan College site, Fairview Corners subdivision and Cielo Vista.  The city’s Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant would take in the additional wastewater produced by these connections,...

One of the more encouraging recent announcements at a San Benito County Board meeting happened Aug. 8 when supervisors learned about a new partnership to provide local residents the option to buy annual memberships for air and ground ambulance needs if they arise.  Of course,...