Late, great Juan Gabriel captured heart of Hollister
Submitted by Mickie Luna and Guillermo Padilla
While Mexico and the world mourn a man whose music touched the lives of many in so many ways, local memories also include his visit to a small California agriculture community in Hollister.
It was on a Saturday evening on...
Aromas in the Air
With one restaurant, one gas station and one-lane roads, Aromas reflects the last of a wilder West in the Bay Area. In August each year, the Aromas Eagles throw a celebration of the tiny town to raise money for local nonprofits.
This year’s Aromas Day...
Election sign laws clarify rules for candidates
Some campaign signs might carry simplistic messages, but rules for people placing them aren’t so elementary.
Officials with the county elections office provided a breakdown of the rules for candidates so they can avoid breaking the law.
The state has a set of rules, but then...
Illegal sidewalk sale hosts scatter when questioned
In recent weeks, an illegal, makeshift sidewalk sale popped up on the relatively busy section of Sunnyslope Road near Clearview Drive. That ended Saturday after the Free Lance questioned two men running the non-permitted business on a portion of sidewalk that doesn’t even abut...
Accuser’s courtroom attack on assault suspect prompted mistrial
When a teenage accuser in a local sexual assault case took the stand in late June, he physically attacked the suspect. The rare instance in a courtroom led to an almost immediate mistrial declaration because jurors watched it unfold.
Now, prosecutors are preparing to schedule...
San Benito library upgrade off the planning shelf
County supervisors opened the book on the possibility of a new library.
San Benito County’s board last week voted unanimously in favor of hiring Maryland-based Library Systems & Services to develop a needs assessment for the local system. The approval comes after a recommendation for...
City, county committee unity cracks amid questions
The local cities and county’s attempt to cooperate through a special committee isn’t going as smoothly as planned.
Hollister Councilman Ray Friend shared his frustrations about the intergovernmental committee involving the cities of Hollister and San Juan and the county at the Aug. 15 council...
Needy have new home on the horizon
The county’s future Homeless Services Center at 1161 San Felipe Road is over the horizon.
Outdoor garden creates haven for the homeless
Plants within the fences of Garden Mart off San Benito Street sit protected in their individual pots, waiting for someone to take them home.
City government to oversee hanging of banners
Hollister council members passed a resolution Tuesday that makes the city the official hanger of banners over San Benito Street. Previously, there wasn’t an official hanger. At times the City of Hollister would do it, and other times it was done by a private company.
