Local News

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...

Sen. John Laird last week announced his office has secured state funding for three San Benito County projects that support local youth, strengthen nonprofits and help bring more locally grown food into schools.  The funding includes spending for facility renovations at the Youth Alliance’s Youth...

Applications are being accepted for an appointment to the Hollister Elementary School District Board of Trustees representing Trustee Area 1. Candidates must be eligible and reside within Trustee Area 1.  Eligibility will be confirmed by the San Benito County Elections Office. All eligible candidates will...

San Juan Oaks Golf Club will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a week of special events in October, including a four-person golf scramble, dining specials and activities at the Hollister course. Established in 1996, the club has spent three decades hosting golfers, members and guests...

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 22 declared a local state of emergency following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide emergency declaration in preparation for potential impacts from the upcoming El Niño storm season.  Supervisors unanimously approved the declaration—the first in any California county...