Local leaders list accomplishments
The end of the year, especially one as chaotic as 2017, is often a time for reflection.
The Free Lance asked all members of the Hollister City Council, San Juan Bautista City Council and San Benito County Board of Supervisors to share their thoughts on...
Hollister commits money to new homeless shelter
Hollister’s new year-round homeless shelter will get an influx of money from the city.
Last week, the Hollister City Council approved $129,000 towards the Homeless Opportunities Meals and Empowerment (HOME) Resource Center. Located on 1161 San Felipe Road, the 50-bed facility opened Dec. 1...
San Juan Bautista hires asst. city manager
Leaders in San Juan approved the hiring of a new assistant city manager at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Michaele LaForge comes from the private sector, where she worked in the high tech and food production industries. LaForge will also serve as the city’s public...
City puts a halt on non-medical cannabis
The Hollister City Council focused on cannabis operations once again as elected officials on Monday enacted an urgency ordinance that prohibits recreational cannabis business operations within city limits for a period of time.
City leaders also approved a manufacturing permit for a medical cannabis business...
San Benito County to hire lobbyist
San Benito County policymakers last week approved the hiring of a lobbyist to work on the county’s behalf at the state capitol to the tune of $120,000 over the next fiscal year. But some have balked at the $10,000 a month in retainer fees...
County draft transportation plan released
With roads in disrepair and traffic building in San Benito County, the agency in charge of transportation planning is seeking public comments on a new draft plan and considering a possible ballot measure to help fund nearly $2 billion in transportation projects across the...
San Juan Bautista considers cannabis for next year
As California gets ready to issue business licenses for cannabis in the coming months, San Juan Bautista takes its first step towards allowing the new industry within city limits.
The San Juan Bautista City Council and Planning Commission held a joint meeting last week to...
Local leaders updated on Nash Road bypass
Local leaders got an update on a new traffic channel that will make it easier and safer for pedestrians and motorists to drive through a busy stretch of road at the sprawling San Benito High School campus in Hollister.
Located on Nash Road, between...
Dabo steps down as president, keeps seat
Mitchell Dabo revealed this week he would not seek election to a third one-year term as president of the San Benito County Board of Education.
Dabo’s revelation, in an interview with the Free Lance on Wednesday, occurred one day after Hollister police confirmed they had...
