Community

Hollister High School’s agriculture and FFA program has earned a ranking of No. 11 out of more than 380 ag programs in the state of California, improving its ranking from No. 15 last year, according to a press release from the San Benito High...

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 11 signed multiple housing bills aimed at tackling the state’s lack of affordable housing and making it easier for tenants to rent a home in the first place.   Newsom signed a whopping 56 bills into law which he said...

Locals named to Dean’s List Hollister residents Ema Alfaro, Miranda Hernandez, Daniela Hernandez and Anessa Ocampo were named to the Stanislaus State University Dean’s List for the spring 2023 semester.  To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and...

Re: Board still in talks with potential partners, Free Lance, Oct. 6, 2023 Looks like “Bargain hunting now.” Where were these potential partners before the bankruptcy declaration? Imagine that! Before there were none; now three parties are interested: American Advanced Management, Salinas Valley Memorial and...

Monterey County recently stepped up to assist their neighbor in San Benito County by donating truckloads of surplus furniture and other supplies after local offices suffered losses of such items in a Sept. 8 fire. "As our regional partner, the County of San Benito has...

San Benito County and the Santa Cruz Regional 911 system this week announced the launch of SBCAlert, an automated alert and warning system that will be used to inform residents of vital information—from road closures to emergency incidents in their area.  SBCAlert is a “significant...

Hollister High School was recently notified by the College Board that it has been named to the Advanced Placement (AP) Program Honor Roll, earning bronze recognition for developing an AP program that creates a college-going culture and gives students opportunities to earn college credit...

San Benito County has drastically increased fines in an effort to combat the scourge of illegal dumping on roadsides, public property and other unauthorized locations.  The new fines, which became effective Sept. 21, are $2,500 for the first offense (previously $100), $5,000 for the second...

I would very much appreciate knowing why the San Benito County Board of Supervisors is in favor of accepting OUT OF COUNTY trash and why the Hollister City Council is in favor of allowing OUT OF CITY sewage.  I’m fairly certain if either or both...

Newsom appoints Butler to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint a woman to fill the seat of the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died Sept. 29. Laphonza Butler will replace Feinstein, the Governor’s Office confirmed Oct. 1.  Butler is currently president of...