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San Benito County supervisors’ approval of a modified hemp ordinance Feb. 4 lifts a two-month moratorium on hemp operations in unincorporated areas of the county. The modified ordinance increases the setback requirements from 100 feet to 1,000 feet away from residential property boundaries, while also...

Before the season started, Hollister High senior Alex Valencia set a lofty goal for himself: average 10-plus tackles a game. The 5-foot-11, 190 pound inside linebacker is close, which means he’s having a pretty solid season.   “I’m averaging nine tackles a game so I feel...

During the next stage of construction of the roundabout project project at State Route 25 and Highway 156, crews will implement a new, temporary traffic configuration that will operate similar to a one-lane roundabout, Caltrans said in a press release. The configuration will remain...

The condition of Fairview Road is more than just appalling (could be said to be shocking, disgusting, and with a thesaurus, I could go on and on). I have not seen any helipads within any of the city developments, so I’m guessing many travel...

Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics presented $2,000 scholarships to five seniors from area high schools. In Hollister, Julien Garcia of San Benito High School received a scholarship. Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics’ history of philanthropy dates back to 1988 when Dr. Bas W. Wafelbakker bought the practice in Gilroy. Today,...

For nearly two years, Gilroy residents anxiously awaited the city’s only movie theater to reopen while it underwent an extensive renovation. The CineLux Gilroy Cafe and Lounge at 6851 Monterey St. was ready to reopen its doors in March, inviting the community to gander at...

The list of potential partners for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is down to two, with the future of the hospital and the San Benito Health Care District at a crossroads between a public and private option. At a special May 20 meeting of the district...

Spacious parcels, stunning views, fertile gardens and interiors adorned with items from around the world describe some of the finest sites in this year’s homes and gardens tours. It would be enough if it were one tour, but Mother’s Day weekend offers two distinct tours...

Nearly two months after the Hollister City Council voted June 3 to uphold a planning commission decision to approve key pieces of the 400 block project, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez told the Free Lance he is still considering challenging the vote. Velazquez had filed an initial...

It’s been quite a journey for the Anzar High boys basketball team. Three years ago, the Hawks won just two games.  The following year, they didn’t even take the court due to Covid. But last season was the start of Anzar’s revival. It finished 12-2...