Community

Crews from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) completed a prescribed burn operation in northern San Benito County last week in an effort to reduce fuel for potential wildfires as the region continues to dry out from the soggy winter,...

San Benito County recently started working with regional organizations to develop a countywide strategy to expand reliable and affordable broadband communications services. Authorities are beginning to ask the community and stakeholders for input on the forthcoming Broadband Strategic Plan, according to a press release.  The...

Re: Balers rule Gabilan, Free Lance May 5, 2023 Amazing to view lean lithe young bodies airborne gliding across your front page muscled by graceful legs counterbalanced by directional arms. These well-tuned bodies racked up division points in the PCAL, Hannah Vincent for the girls...

Recycle your non-rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, electronic waste, and residential fluorescent lights for free from 9am-1pm May 20. The free San Benito Recycle Day will take place at Brigantino Park, 2100 San Juan Hollister Road in Hollister.  In early 2022, the San Benito County Integrated Waste...

Hollister School District maintenance crews recently fabricated and installed stair railings at Rancho San Justo Middle School in an effort to enhance safety.  District staff members made the improvements in an outdoor area where there is a large section of stairs at the Hollister site....

Have you ever thought about how you could recycle your spoiled food, food scraps, and yard waste at home? Do you want to save money and learn how to turn that material into rich organic compost for your garden? San Benito County will host a...

The City of Hollister is working on an inclusionary housing ordinance that could require future residential developers to make up to 20% of their projects affordable under state guidelines.  A draft ordinance, produced under the council’s previous direction, was presented at the May 1 council...

Live music and the smell of barbecue filled the air throughout San Juan Bautista May 5-7 as the San Juan Bautista Rib Cook-Off returned to Third Street in the historic city’s downtown. Plenty of hungry guests made their way to the nearly 10 barbecue booths...

Registration now open for Summer Art Camp The San Benito County Arts Council is now enrolling students in Summer Art Camp.  Art Camps take place at The Art Depot, 35 Fifth St., Suite D, located in the historic train depot in downtown Hollister.  The cost is $65...

On Sunday, April 16, we decided to drive Hwy. 25 to observe wildflowers. Stopping at Safeway for a few items, I was at the checkout when I dropped my wallet and all the coins landed on the floor.  I started to pick them up when...