Community

As the rain departed and the clouds passed by, it was the Hollister track and field team that shined most brightly at the 51st Avis Kelley Invitational in Gilroy.  The big early-season meet on March 23 involved athletes from 39 schools all over the Central...

Mosquitoes that tested positive for the West Nile Virus have been found in a small unincorporated area of San Benito County, according to the county agricultural commissioner’s office.  Weather permitting, county officials are planning to treat the affected area on Oct. 3, starting about 7pm,...

Wildfires and climate change are locked in a vicious circle: Fires worsen climate change, and climate change worsens fires. Scientists, including those at the World Resources Institute, have been increasingly sounding the alarm about this feedback loop, warning that fires don’t burn in isolation—they produce...

Public comment on the San Benito County Draft Economic Development Strategy: Thank you for inviting members of the public to comment on the SBCEDC's Draft Economic Development Strategy. Identity: I have represented small and very small business owners before state and federal courts and agencies on...

At a tense board meeting Jan. 25, the San Benito Health Care District board voted to appoint Mary Casillas to the permanent CEO position of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, with a contract that increases her salary by more than 45 percent. Area residents, hospital nurses—and...

Two teenagers from Salinas stole two sports cars in Hollister early Friday morning, leading police on a high-speed pursuit, according to authorities. One of the teens allegedly rammed two sheriff’s office vehicles and struck a deputy before the suspects were arrested.  About 1:48am March 22,...

Hot/cold, run/walk, up/down, fast/slow, like these opposites the Free Lance front page (June 30) displayed two stories each one opposite to the other. I am wondering what readers think and how they respond.   One story, a true bottom report, documented, “Hollister OKs more housing hookups...

Art, landscaping to beautify Highway 25 As part of Clean California, a state beautification project to upgrade a 1.6-mile section of State Route 25 with new planting and transportation art is underway, Caltrans officials announced last week. The $1 million project was approved as part of...

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...

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...