Community

San Benito County and the First Amendment Coalition reached a settlement in a case involving a social media page that posted content that was allegedly threatening toward local officials and their families.  Under the settlement, which was announced Dec. 5, the county agreed to withdraw...

A fire destroyed two buildings in an apartment complex on Line Street Jan. 6, leaving dozens of Hollister residents suddenly without homes over the weekend, according to city officials.  In the days since the blaze, an outpouring of donations and community support for the victims—driven...

Whether it’s the positive feedback or soothing music in the background, there’s a calming vibe in Janet Carlen’s classrooms.  Carlen teaches TK through first-grade students at Sunnyslope and Cerra Vista Elementary Schools. While she has taught for a decade, Carlen joined the Hollister School District...

More than three years after the Covid-19 pandemic began, San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency and Public Health Services are adopting the California Department of Public Health’s updated guidelines—including reduced isolation and quarantine for infected people and the elimination of all public...

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors narrowly rejected a petition to recall one of its members and labeled the effort “illegal” due to allegations that signature gatherers misled local voters.  Some of those voters said during a public hearing at the Nov. 18 board...

Austin Curtis, who has worked at the San Benito County Free Library for about 18 months, was named this week as the library’s new librarian.  Before starting his work with the local library, located at 470 Fifth Street in Hollister, Curtis worked about 18 months...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in downtown Hollister, where residents who were affected by severe storms in February and March can get information on available assistance.  The center is located at the Strada Verde Innovation Park offices, 354 First...

The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a social media page that recently posted a political cartoon that allegedly encouraged violence against public officials and their families, according to authorities.  The Facebook page known as “Benito Beet Beat” published the post on Nov. 3....

Bike blessing The Top Hatters Motorcycle Club’s 31st annual Bike Blessing will take place 11am-1pm March 24 in Hollister. Motorcyclists are asked to check in at Hollister PowerSports at 411 San Felipe Road, then gather at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for the blessing.  Participants who want...

Re: Hollister council rebukes another colleague, Free Lance, May 19 If a fire occurs inside a movie theatre, the sound system does not advise attendees to remain seated. We understand the alarm must be sounded and exits opened for safety. Similarly at the May 15...