San Benito County steps up water-saving efforts
After a slow start to conserving water in our community, residents started stepping up their efforts in late August. We need more of this effort, but it’s very encouraging news to see our community respond.
The following data, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, was...
Community Foundation for San Benito County awards grants
The Community Foundation for San Benito County (CFFSBC) has funded 42 local nonprofits, including Junior Achievement of Northern California (JA), through their 2022 Program Project Grant Cycle, according to a press release.
Aided by the $6,668 grant, Junior Achievement’s 2022-23 San Benito County Youth Economic...
Letter: Sam Farr, we are so disappointed in you
Sam, without staff you are no longer able to keep facts straight, and whoever wrote the endorsement of Measure Q for you did you a great disservice. (Replying to “Opinion: Control the future of your county” from the Oct. 21 Free Lance.)
First off, you—as...
Letter to the editor: Mayoral candidate has promising ideas
I love Hollister. I have always loved my hometown. I have been blessed to live where I was born. There are so many awesome folks living here. Whether you're new or old to the community, we all call this home.
I have been volunteering lately...
Letter: Don’t let developers decide on growth
As a supporter of “Yes on Measure Q,” I get upset when I read the unsupported claims that the opponents of measure Q are using to promote their cause.
This raises the question, what is their cause and why are they willing to go to...
Hazel Hawkins ends contract with CEO Steve Hannah
The Board of Directors of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital this week announced their decision to end the hospital’s contract with CEO Steven M. Hannah, effective Oct. 14.
“The Board talked it through from every angle and reluctantly decided this new course would be best for...
Ballot box onlookers not affiliated with county elections office
The San Benito County Elections Department issued a press release Oct. 31 stating that individuals who are not affiliated with the local elections office are “standing watch” over ballot drop boxes.
“These individuals are not election officials,” the release says.
In San Benito County, the Elections...
Letter: Measure would deprive county of Strada Verde revenue
I am writing to provide some perspective on what San Benito can expect if Measure R passes.
This measure is aimed at killing the Strada Verde Innovation Center, which has been under consideration as a source of economic development, revenues and jobs for San Benito...
High-speed internet comes to River Oaks
Spectrum last week announced it has completed a fiber-optic network expansion project that brings the company’s internet, mobile, television and voice services to more than 40 homes in the River Oaks community of northwest San Benito County.
Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki and other local community members...
Prepare for ‘significant’ construction delays at Highway 25 and 156
As the next phase of construction on a new roundabout proceeds, all four approaches to the intersection of State Routes 25 and 156 will be reduced to a single lane, starting Nov. 2, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
“Motorists can expect significant...
















