Opinion

In a lot of ways, the battle against developers strongly mirrors that of the battle against fracking fought 10 years ago. Many of the same people who pushed for the ban on fracking are now pushing for the liberation of our county from the...

My name is Thomas J. Hawkins, a fourth Generation San Benito County cattle rancher. I was named for my locally famous great grandfather, Thomas S. Hawkins, who settled here in 1867, 157 years ago, at the age of 31. Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital saves lives,...

Re: Healthcare or Health Insurance Is it a horse or a zebra?, is a question we never ask because of evident stripes. But trying to identify healthcare from health insurance becomes more difficult because stripes are not easily identifiable.  Let’s make health insurance a zebra and...

I’ve been thinking a lot about how best to express my strong belief in the value of preserving working lands and open space here in San Benito County and, ultimately, to express my conviction that Measure A is right for San Benito County.  I have...

Beware of bandits Re: Out-of-area construction firms spend heavily to influence bond votes, Free Lance, Oct. 11, 2024.  This is a stick-up. We are looking right down the barrel of a gun. Some construction firms are not the only bandits who want our vote. A healthcare...

You have to just love how using websites can make life so easy. You no longer have to leave the house to shop for a new car or dress. Instead, the internet has also become the breeding ground for those targeting small business owners...

Re: Legislator’s unwritten rule, Free Lance, Sept. 27, 2024 Because of the need for discussion and debate voiced by a concerned California legislator we need to discuss our November ballot. Measure X’s wording is carefully crafted to deceive the voter. Similarly, the electric car was...

Vote to keep hospital open If you want to keep our local hospital, then vote “yes” on Measure X.  Measure X was put on the ballot by the Hazel Hawkins health care district board because they know the threat of closure is real unless something changes....

In an effort to misinform and dissuade voters, opponents to Measure A tell the public that “Measure A will not slow housing growth.”  Retired officials, a handful of local political party leaders, and even the mayor of Hollister repeat this transparent falsehood. But, if you...

Not long after Hollister mayoral candidate Roxanne Stephens planted a campaign sign at the intersection of Union Road and Airline Highway (California State Route 25), the sign was found uprooted and discarded on the ground in a blatant display of disrespect.  Such poor sportsmanship cannot...