Community

A new initiative to put land use decisions in the hands of San Benito County residents is currently circulating, the latest political effort by slow-growth advocates in the area. The Empower Voters to Make Land Use Decisions Initiative would amend the county’s General Plan to...

The San Benito Health Care District announced that it is planning to appeal the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s ruling that denied the district’s Chapter 9 filing for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.  Northern District Judge Stephen L. Johnson in a March 21 ruling sided with the California...

We are pleased to extend a well-deserved congratulations to R.O. Hardin Elementary School, Rancho San Justo Middle School, Sunnyslope Elementary School and Calaveras School for the recent performance accomplishments of their students, teachers and administrators.  These schools all recently succeeded in exiting the state Additional...

Re: “Medi-Cal not the solution to expand healthcare,” Free Lance, March 29. What have we learned from the pandemic, or are we in another pandemic? The symptoms seem to be having a hunger when we are not hungry. These symptoms are not like body obesity...

Pacific Swimming’s Age Group Championship Swim Meet, formerly known as Spring Junior Olympics, made a triumphant return to Hollister High’s Baler Aquatics Center from March 15-17. Nearly 700 elite swimmers aged 14 and under gathered to compete for personal bests, new records, and the...

IRS-certified volunteers will be offering free income tax filing assistance—and tacos—for eligible local residents April 5 in Hollister. The event, known as “Tacos & Taxes,” will take place 1-5pm at the Jovenes de Antaño senior center, 300 West Street. Free tax services will be available,...

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...

Set amidst the stunning foothills and vibrant vineyards of Guerra Cellars Winery, the Hollister Concert Series this week revealed its 2024 Summer Concert Series schedule.  The lineup promises to bring an unforgettable summer of music, community and celebration under the stars, says a press release...

The San Benito High School District recently acquired 49.68 acres for a second high school.  The property is located south of Wright Road in northwest Hollister, and it meets many of the criteria for a new high school offered through feedback from the 60-member Facilities...

Fortino Winery, likely one of the most familiar Santa Clara Valley wineries to local people, reflects the history of winemaking in a region famed for the craft.  Premium wine has been made in the Santa Clara Valley longer than anywhere else in California. Part of...