Community

The Free Lance photo on page 8 of the Sept. 4 edition (“Hollister voters push for Urban Growth Boundary”) depicts people from the grass of lawns and pastures making real grass work function. Here shows the people who want to save Hollister.  Sure, Hollister can...

Baler Nation was thrilled with two season-opening wins. But Soledad and Everett Alvarez were a level below Hollister and the Sept. 11 match with powerhouse Wilcox would be a real test. Test passed. And how. Or wow.  The Baler defense carried the day by forcing five...

The Latino Generations Scholarship Committee will celebrate its 10th anniversary Oct. 10 with an evening honoring the students, families, donors and volunteers of San Benito County who have supported the scholarship program since its founding. The “A Decade of Student Success” celebration will be held...

The San Benito High School District said on Sept. 10 it has placed Hollister High School football coach Thomas Sullivan on administrative leave while the district conducts an investigation related to the football program. Longtime former Hollister High football coach Chris Cameron has been named...

After two years of struggles, the Gavilan Rams’ men's soccer team has turned things around. Coach Ivan Bastida’s Rams are off to a 3-0-1 start and the defense is shining. Gavilan opened the season on Aug. 28 down south at Antelope Valley. In a feisty...

Hollister-based JMM Dance Co., a nonprofit that uses dance and movement to support mental health and social-emotional growth, was recently awarded a grant that will help bring a free series of community gatherings to South Valley.  JMM was awarded a $5,000 Connecting California grant from...

In the third year of CIF girls flag football, the rules have been tweaked for some improvements and the spectacle, the fun and the competition continue to get better and better. And bigger.  Flag football in California saw the largest participation jump of any sport...

This week (Free Lance, Sept. 4 edition) Joe Heller’s opinion page cartoon seems vacant as it depicts a multi-labeled coat simply identified as “Dolly” hung on a hollow space. However that emptiness immediately filled with visions of radiant smiles, pompadour blonde hair rhythmically motioned...

Gavilan College is working toward launching men’s and women’s wrestling programs, with the goal of beginning competition in 2027. Fundraising efforts have already been put into motion by the nonprofit Gavilan College Foundation.  A statement from Gavilan College noted that wrestling has deep roots throughout...

A Monterey County jury this week found a 21-year-old man guilty of first degree murder for killing Jonothan Maciel, 19, of Hollister in 2021, according to authorities.  Skyler Narcecio Barriga, of Salinas, was also convicted of robbery and the use of a gun, the Monterey...