Local News

In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, the California Highway Patrol Hollister-Gilroy Area will deploy additional officers July 4-5, within south Santa Clara and San Benito counties. Officers will look for violations by both motorcycle riders and drivers that make roads...

Lifelong San Martin resident Kenneth Ludewig, a local “treasure” who brought joy to countless South Valley residents as the creator and operator of the former San Martin Country Park & Pumpkin Patch, died unexpectedly on Nov. 7, according to family members. He was 74...

Social distancing, as well as virtual or hybrid style sessions, will likely continue for the foreseeable future for public government board, council and commission meetings throughout San Benito County. On Sept. 30, San Benito County Interim Health Officer Dr. David Ghilarducci issued such a recommendation,...

Crews will soon begin working on three road projects and a bridge replacement project in unincorporated San Benito County. The county’s Resource Management Agency announced this week that notices to proceed have been issued for the projects, which will cost a total of $12.3 million. The...

Local Boy Scouts of America troops wrapped up the holiday giving season by helping local residents dispose of their Christmas trees in a way that is safe and clean for the environment. Boy Scouts troops 436 and 428—both based in San Benito County—spent last weekend...

In this occasional “Where Are They Now Series,” the Free Lance catches up with standouts and prominent figures from yesteryear Even though Dave Clapham is retired and enjoying life in Reno, the former longtime Haybalers’ football assistant coach still has connections to Hollister and the...

San Benito County elections officials have a total of 617 ballots left to count in the Nov. 8 election as of Monday morning. The vast majority of the uncounted ballots—498 mailed ballots—are considered “challenged,” and the voters who submitted them have until 5pm Nov. 23...

California Coastal Cleanup Day will celebrate its 41st year this September with its first ever “Trashure Hunt,” offering participants the chance to win a variety of prizes by volunteering to pick up litter and garbage at hundreds of locations across the state, organizers announced...

San Benito County Public Health officials report the number of new Covid-19 cases are still on the rise, including three new deaths in their latest newsletter. As of Jan. 11, the county reported its 37th, 38th and 39th deaths of the novel coronavirus in San...

San Benito Stage Company will present a unique double feature holiday production this month, combining two one-act plays that explore the magic of Christmas from both historical and whimsical perspectives. “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” and “The Night Before Christmas” will run Dec....