Economy

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital’s directors last week declared a fiscal emergency that allows the Hollister medical facility to file for bankruptcy if such a step is deemed appropriate, according to the hospital. Hazel Hawkins’ board of directors declared the resolution of a fiscal emergency at...

Highway 25 project gains federal funds The California Transportation Commission (CTC) last week allocated nearly $3 billion for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state.  The allocation includes $8.9 million in funds from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021...

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Sen. Nancy Skinner announced a proposal Dec. 5 to penalize oil companies in an effort to deter gas price gouging. The proposal would make it illegal for oil companies to charge excessive refining margins—the price difference between the cost of...

Special to the Free Lance San Benito County officials and property owners continue to seek more funding to provide more services for local homeless people, and to reduce the unhoused population.  The San Benito County Board of Supervisors discussed some of the possibilities when they met...

California’s severe drought continues, and mandatory water conservation measures are in place. These climate conditions, along with our limited long-term water supplies, mean it is in our best interest to use water as efficiently as possible. Not just when we’re in drought, but ALWAYS! On...

Arts Council debuts first Pop-Up Market The San Benito County Arts Council invites the community to a Pop-Up Market at The Art Depot in downtown Hollister on Feb. 11, from noon to 4pm. The market will feature original artworks, art prints, wall décor, handcrafted resin gifts...

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital said in a statement that a major national and regional private health insurer is “refusing” to pay the Hollister hospital a fair price for health services. As a result, after Aug. 10, patients insured by Anthem Blue Cross Preferred Provider...

Residents of San Benito County can now conveniently recycle their unbroken fluorescent lamps for free at True Value, located at 1260 Fourth St. in Hollister, according to a press release from the county.  The grant project also includes the distribution of more than 600 coupons...

California is in a budget hole, its depth measured not in feet, but in dollars. How deep? A projected $38 billion deficit, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said Jan. 10 he will declare a fiscal emergency when necessary and unveiled his initial plan to...

The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and its nonprofit foundation celebrated local people, businesses and organizations at the 101st annual awards dinner Nov. 12 at Leal Vineyards. Honored during the dinner and dance celebration were 2022 award winners Marilyn Ferreria, Woman of the Year;...