SJB hires new city manager
The San Juan Bautista City Council was set to approve an employment agreement for a new city manager, Don Reynolds.
Reynolds currently works as the assistant public works director in Salinas. Reynolds told the Free Lance he’s spent three decades in public service, working...
Former assembly candidate charged with felonies
Neil Kitchens, a Republican candidate who ran an unsuccessful campaign for State Assembly District 30 in 2018, has been charged with five counts of election fraud.
Kitchens pleaded not guilty at an arraignment June 28 in Monterey County Superior Court, according to court filings. He...
Eckert resigns as interim city manager
Hollister’s Interim City Manager Paul Eckert resigned today, Nov. 14, after just eight days on the job, according to Mayor Ignacio Velazquez.
Velazquez said Eckert delivered a resignation letter to the city late Thursday afternoon, one day before City Manager Bill Avera’s retirement and one...
City council tables decision on ‘thin blue line’ flag
The Hollister City Council delayed its decision on flying the “thin blue line flag” at City Hall on Aug. 2, citing the need for more background on the significance of the timing.
On July 16, the city received an application from a group that identifies...
Candidates locked in tight District 1 Supervisor race
The two candidates for San Benito County District 1 Supervisor are in a close race, with less than 100 votes separating them in the early, unofficial Nov. 8 results counted by elections officials.
As of the morning of Nov. 9, incumbent Betsy Dirks trails challenger...
Equality California endorses Robert Rivas
San Benito County Supervisor Robert Rivas’ political campaign announced last week the endorsement of Equality California in the race for the 30th State Assembly District.
“I am extremely proud to be endorsed by Equality California,” Rivas said. “I am dedicated to making sure all Californians...
Sotelo, Curro slated to win supervisor seats
Unofficial June 7 election results show that two San Benito County Supervisor candidates—Mindy Sotelo in District 3 and Angela Curro in District 4—as well as Sheriff Eric Taylor have secured enough votes to win their contests outright and avoid a runoff.
And the county is...
Voters to decide on term limits for San Benito supervisors
San Benito County’s voters will get to decide if the elected members of the board of supervisors should be subject to term limits.
The supervisors voted 4-0 at the June 8 meeting to introduce an ordinance to place the question on an upcoming ballot—likely in...
Hollister, County Supes prepare to spend big to fix roads
City of Hollister and San Benito County officials are taking steps to speed up the repair and upgrades of local deteriorating roadways by allocating large sums of money for the efforts.
The Hollister City Council on March 21 approved the sale of $20 million in...
