Group submits petition for election to recall San Benito County supervisor
Proponents of an effort to recall San Benito County District 5 Supervisor Ignacio Velazquez—who has served on the board for less than one year—submitted a petition with more than 2,200 signatures to election officials last week.
In a Sept. 23 letter to the committee’s treasurer,...
State controller agrees to audit San Benito County
The California State Controller’s office this week notified San Benito County officials that its Local Government Oversight Team will conduct a full audit of the county’s finances.
County officials said in a press release that the audit is expected to begin promptly and the controller...
Help improve community fire safety in San Benito County
The San Benito Fire Safe Council is on a mission to turn more local neighborhoods into Firewise USA communities that work together to reduce wildfire risks.
To that end, the SBFSC is currently recruiting new members to join its board, and local community members are...
Chamber of Commerce announces annual award winners
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Foundation will honor local people, businesses and organizations Sept. 20 at their 104th annual Awards Dinner.
The purpose of the “Man and Woman of the Year” awards is to recognize residents of San Benito County who serve...
Editorial: In tough times, let’s remember to enjoy the little things in life
Lately, it can feel like the world is weighed down with stress—global conflicts, economic uncertainty and the fast pace of everyday life. It’s easy to get caught up in the heaviness of it all. But right here in our own community, there are still...
Guest view: County road projects to improve commuter safety
This year, San Benito County is focused on repaving some of the most traveled commuter routes with a focus on safety.
Of course, the list of rural San Benito County roads needing repairs is seemingly endless due to decades of deferred improvements. The vast majority...
Letter: Easter brings Big Bad Wolf to hospital
Re: Hospital proceeds with negotiations, Free Lance, April 18, 2025
Instead of the Easter Bunny, we get the Big Bad Wolf and he is trying to blow the house down. The Easter basket from the San Benito County Health Care District over-flowed with attractive colors,...
Local Scene: Chorale joins jazz band
Sanchez makes president’s list
Jenifer Sanchez, of Hollister, was named to the Southern New Hampshire University president’s list for the spring semester. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the president's...
Cat declawing, book censorship among new 2026 laws
Every year, lawmakers in Sacramento introduce a flurry of bills, most of which are eviscerated during the legislative process and end up on the Assembly or Senate trash heap. A select few make it to the governor’s desk, and assuming they dodge the veto...
Construction begins on key highway interchange
Representatives of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrans and local public officials on May 23 marked the groundbreaking of the long-anticipated US 101/SR 25 Interchange Upgrade Project just south of Gilroy.
The project is designed to ease congestion, improve safety and better connect South...


















