Community

California’s water storage and delivery systems are in good shape heading into the rainy season, having benefited from last year’s near-historic rain and snowfall totals, according to the state’s top water managers.  Coming off three years of punishing drought conditions, last year was the sixth...

In a previous letter to the editor, I briefly listed some reasons to adopt a more skeptical outlook of the recall campaigns. And so far, none of those reasons have been resolved.  However, one concern stands out above the rest: the unnerving reluctance among the...

Since being elected supervisor in 2022, I have come across several hot-button issues and controversial projects or decisions. With a lot of these issues, the community is highly engaged and we hear a mix of opinions from the residents. This has not been the...

San Benito County Sheriff’s Commander Tomas Corral recently graduated from the exclusive FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he absorbed a wealth of knowledge, skills and resources that he expects will be highly beneficial to his career and his colleagues in local law...

I was sorry to read the article, “Locals celebrate highway opening” in the latest Free Lance (June 13 edition), as well as the letter calling the California High-Speed Rail a “boondoggle.” Supervisor Kosmicki is correct in saying Highway 156 will “drastically” improve our quality of...

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, of Hollister, and a delegation of 14 Assembly members met with firefighters and officials in Los Angeles last week to discuss how to further assist emergency response efforts, and to fast-track recovery from the devastating and deadly wildfires, Rivas’...

El Salvador’s U-17 women’s soccer team is competing in a few weeks for a chance at history, the country’s first-ever World Cup bid on the women’s side. With Hollister High junior Elyssa Hernandez starting at center back, the team roared through Concacaf Round One...

The following Hollister residents graduated from Stanislaus State’s Class of 2025, during commencement ceremonies held May 27-30: Ema Alfaro, bachelor of arts in sociology; Anessa Ocampo, master of social work.  “Commencement is a time of immense pride, not only for our graduates but for everyone...

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross this week announced they have signed a new two-year agreement for commercial and employer sponsored health insurance plans. The new contract, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, allows people in San Benito County who are insured...

As the name suggests, “small” business means the owner is, most likely, working. So, to see around 18 Hollister downtown business owners together at the Oct. 17 meeting was an unusual treat. Thanks to the Hollister City Manager, David Mirrione, and Development Services Director,...