Local News

San Benito County and Salinas Valley Health officials last week jointly submitted a letter of intent to take over operations of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and its associated services through a joint powers authority that would raise extra long-term capital for the hospital, in...

A drunken driver crashed into a power pole on Sunnyslope Road, resulting in a power outage in the surrounding area Sept. 27, according to police. About 7:30pm, Hollister Police officers responded to a report of a vehicle collision at the 1700 block of Sunnyslope Road,...

Although recent rains have saturated Hollister and the surrounding areas—with more precipitation on the way—experts advised this week that California is nowhere close to being out of its ongoing drought.  A lingering storm over New Year’s weekend, from Dec. 30-Jan. 1, dumped a steady downpour...

Police recently arrested two people—including a Hollister resident—on suspicion of killing a woman in Sunnyvale earlier this year.  On March 5, Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety SWAT team responded to an address on Hemlock Court in Hollister. Officers arrested Alfonso Inestroza, also known as Franquin...

Another atmospheric river is expected to wash over the Bay Area this weekend, bringing significant risks of flooding in coastal areas and in some riversheds. Forecasters with the National Weather Service's Bay Area office expect showers throughout Friday before steadier rain arrives on Saturday. Most...

Headed by the San Juan Bautista Rotary and the Aromas-San Juan Community Schools Foundation, a coalition of community groups have raised $40,000 needed to secure a $200,000 federal grant to upgrade equipment to provide internet to local schools. The 4-1 match from the federal E-Rate...

The 12th annual unSCruz event, a four-day bounty of free style art projects, oddball vehicles, tricycles, motorized gizmos, outlandish costumes, food and drink extravaganzas, music, dance and more unfolded May 2-5 at the San Benito County Fairgrounds.  The campout event, which sold out in an...

Several dozen filmmakers and “Star Wars” fans were surprised when five characters from the iconic series showed up for the films at the Barn at Mission Farm in San Juan Bautista. The costumed fans arrived Sunday evening at the end of a Q&A with Jon...

Several employees at the Target store in Hollister have been diagnosed with Covid-19. The company on Wednesday sent an email to the Hollister Free Lance with a statement confirming that multiple employees tested positive for the virus and they have been on paid leave. “We’re...

A vegetation fire, likely caused by a person or people, burned about one acre on Vista Park Hill in Hollister Aug. 7, according to authorities. The Hollister Fire Department responded to reports of a fire about 2:30pm, ultimately sending three engines and two battalion chiefs...