Local News

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...

Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 2nd Class Adon Olivares, a Hollister native, is one of those sailors. “My grandfather served in the Army and my dad also served, so I...

The 99th San Benito County Fair is in the books, after crowds spent the weekend enjoying rides, kids’ activities, live musical and cultural performances, plenty of food and a celebration of the county’s agricultural heritage. As always, one of the fair’s highlights this year—especially for...

After struggling through a one-win season last year, the Gavilan College women’s volleyball team is back on track.  Entering the week, the Rams were 5-3, having won four of their last five matches. They’re doing it with a similar formula and a familiar face in...

Before the season started, Hollister High senior Alex Valencia set a lofty goal for himself: average 10-plus tackles a game. The 5-foot-11, 190 pound inside linebacker is close, which means he’s having a pretty solid season.   “I’m averaging nine tackles a game so I feel...