News

The San Benito County Fair took place Oct. 2-4 at the Bolado Park Event Center in Tres Pinos.  Local photographer Chris Mora was on the scene, capturing images of the festivities, which included a variety of family-friendly activities, food, entertainment, auctions, raffles and local students...

A mother and daughter who can’t stop butting heads will be forced to stand in each others’ shoes when San Benito Stage Company opens its fall teen musical “Freaky Friday” on Oct. 16 at the Granada Theater. Directed by Aaron Hernandez, the production features a...

A bicyclist died in a collision with a pickup truck in Hollister Oct. 4, according to police. The Hollister Police Department is investigating the crash.  About 5pm, officers were dispatched to Central Avenue and Westside Boulevard in response to reports of a collision involving a...

For families looking for a day filled with pumpkins, games, animals and plenty of fall fun, the 21-acre Swank Farms in Hollister has become a destination that draws visitors from throughout the region. On Oct. 3, as the day started somewhat cool but promised to...

As San Benito County voters begin to receive their mail-in ballots and election information packets this week, the Free Lance continues to profile candidates for some of the dozens of local races on the Nov. 3 ballot.  This week, our staff profiles candidates for San...

San Benito County is urging property owners to inspect and clear drainage areas on their properties before the winter rainy season, as officials prepare for an anticipated strong El Niño season. Residents should remove leaves, branches, trash, sediment, overgrown vegetation and other debris that could...

A veteran educator at Hollister High School was recently recognized by California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas for his contributions to Career Technical Education and student success at the local school.  Rob Campbell, who teaches Career Technical Education at Hollister, was surprised with the recognition by...

Facing such a bleak financial position that City Hall didn’t have enough cash to pay its employees as of last week, the Hollister City Council on Oct. 2 declared a local “state of financial emergency” and approved a loan of $18 million from its...

In this week’s edition, as part of our ongoing election coverage the Free Lance is featuring candidates for Hollister Mayor, as well as City Council Districts 2 and 3.  Running for mayor are Tim Burns, Tina Garza and Scott McPhail. Candidates for City Council District...

Police and mental health responders safely detained a suicidal woman following an hours-long standoff in Hollister on Sept. 26, according to authorities.  Hollister Police responded to the incident in the area of Julian Court after receiving phone calls that reported a woman on foot was...