Weighing in at the State of the Region
Government, business and nonprofit leaders around San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties staged the 2025 State of the Region Oct. 17 at CSU Monterey Bay to discuss a vast list of topics from healthcare and air mobility to hospitality, tourism, advances in the...
Two dead after shooting in Gilroy
Two men died on Nov. 16 following a domestic-related shooting at a home in unincorporated Gilroy, authorities said.
Just before 3:30pm, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting at a residence on Sheldon Avenue, says a press release from the sheriff’s...
Weekly market offers fresh, local produce
Every Saturday, scores of people make the drive to Pinnacle Farms market in San Juan Bautista to buy fresh, organically grown produce.
Owners Phil and Katherine Foster began farming in San Benito County in 1968. Today they grow certified organic fruit and vegetables on 295...
What you need to know about flu, RSV, Covid
Don't call it a tripledemic—yet.
Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19 are circulating this fall, but not yet at the rate that worried public health agencies a year ago.
As we approach the time of winter when these diseases usually peak, around December to February,...
Letter: Politicians should mimic young athletes
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...
DeRose Winery is steeped in South Valley history
In my last column I highlighted Rosy and Rich Bergen’s Little Uvas Vineyard (LUV) and their facility called “The Garage” at 255 Fitzgerald Ave. in San Martin. Their long range plan is to have other businesses, like other wineries and eateries, help fill the...
Letter: Prevent more damage, go electric
Like the TV commercial that promotes a squeeze product in a tube to repair damage, our county wants us to prepare for the next damage. According to the Free Lance, our county wants us to attend a workshop and to respond to a survey...
Community Insight: Biker rally; bike lanes; yoga center
With a slew of events to cover from the holiday period and after, we’re presenting an installment of Thumbs Up-Thumbs Down to indicate our support or opposition on local topics. This week, all of the selected topics incited positive responses from the Community Insight Board.
Community Insight: Anzar migration deserves more attention
Anzar High School has displayed enormous success as it pertains to students going to college. Like any other school environment, though, it isn’t free of challenges.
Update: Coroner identifies Hollister shooting victim
A 49-year-old Hollister man died in a shooting on Sunnyslope Road Oct. 28, according to authorities.
Hollister Police responded to reports of a shooting about 7:22pm on the 1100 block of Sunnyslope Road. The occupants of two vehicles were involved in the shooting, Hollister Police...


















