Local News

New security measures at Andy Hardin Stadium went into effect for the Oct. 14 Hollister High School football game, which proceeded without any major public safety disturbances in the crowd, according to school and law enforcement officials. Hollister High School and San Benito High School...

Mystery and adventure continued for hundreds of guests who attended the Northern California Renaissance Faire this past weekend. The Venetian Carnevale and Masquerade took place Oct. 15 and 16 at the village of Willingtown, a makeshift town built at Casa de Fruta on the outskirts...

Hollister High School’s Homecoming weekend was full of events and festivities, capped off with the Haybalers’ 47-0 rout of Alisal High’s football team at Andy Hardin Stadium Oct. 14.  Homecoming Week began on campus with themed dress-up days, lunchtime activities and a Friday homecoming rally,...

Dr. Gabriel Gutiérrez brings a wealth of experience to his new role this year as Interim Director of Special Education for the Hollister School District.  Gutiérrez was a school psychologist in the district last year. In August, he was appointed to the interim director role. Prior...

Voting has begun in the Nov. 8 election, as voters throughout California will receive ballots in the coming days—and can drop them off, completed and signed, at authorized locations now through Election Day. Elections officials in San Benito County began sending ballots in the mail...

In the Nov. 8 election for the Hollister City Council District 3 seat, incumbent Dolores Morales will face small business owner Rosalinda Sanchez.  Morales was elected to the District 3 seat in a November 2021 special election, which was conducted to replace former Council member...

Starting Oct. 16, a local Covid-19 testing service will change their hours of operation in San Benito County. Mobile testing services will remain available at various locations throughout the week.  The OptumServe clinic will offer its Covid-19 PCR and Rapid Antigen testing and treatment services...

Elizabeth Wilson has overseen finances in school districts of varying sizes for over 23 years, ranging from 27 students to 25,000 students. Before working in schools, Wilson worked as an auditor for a public accounting firm. “By and large, most of my districts have been...

Running for the Hollister City Council District 2 seat in the Nov. 8 election are IT Director Hani Mayzouni; accountant Sergio Montanez; incumbent Rolan Resendiz, who teaches 7th grade at Rancho Santana School; and small business owner Celeste Toledo-Bocanegra.  The Free Lance submitted questions to...

Feeding the Frontline The San Benito Health Foundation on Oct. 19 will host “Feeding the Frontline: Binational Hope, Health Without Borders,” a drive-thru food distribution event to support local families.  The event will take place 3-6pm at the health foundation’s headquarters, at 351 Felice Drive in...