Opinion

April is recognized as World Autism Month, and I write this as both a mother and an advocate. Like many parents, my early experiences with autism were overwhelming and, at times, isolating.  In our community, support can feel limited. Many autistic children are often defined by...

San Jose, once known as “The Valley of Heart’s Delight,” became known as “Silicon Valley.”  Many San Joseans make Hollister their home. Do we want Hollister, like San Jose, to pass from nature’s beauty down a rabbit hole? The geography of Hollister is notable. Our...

A line separates governing from campaigning. It is not blurry, subjective or optional. Recently, it has been crossed by those entrusted to uphold it. This is not political disagreement. It is systematic use of public office, platforms and proceedings to influence local elections. Whether promoting...

The “Valley of Hearts Delight” existed as San Jose’s springtime produced a breathtaking vista of thousands of acres of fruit trees bursting alive in pink and white blossoms.  San Jose took a detour. Do we want Hollister to take that detour? Those who are trying...

It’s truly disturbing that a political scheme driven by personal vendettas and pro-housing special interests has led to a recall attempt on the June ballot.  Despite the absurdity of this entire recall process—an outright scam to fool voters into shifting the County Board back to...

They should lead with respect I don’t usually pay much attention to politics, but this feels personal. I’m writing as a daughter who is tired of seeing the way Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki talks about my father, Joe Paul Gonzalez. I understand that politics comes with disagreements,...

Every year around tax time, I come home from a long shift, still in scrubs, and sit down with my pay stubs, trying to make the numbers work. Like most people, I don't have fancy accountants or complicated investments—just a paycheck that gets taxed...

Once a week, something remarkable happens in homes and coffee shops across our city. People open the Hollister Free Lance and find something no algorithm can replicate: the unfiltered story of their community, told with care, accuracy and local knowledge. I’m writing to you...

Congress is not working for the South Bay, the Central Coast or the Salinas Valley. Families in our region are working hard only to fall behind while the cost of housing, healthcare and everyday life keeps rising. Rather than offer real solutions, politicians are...

Going to college is one high school goal but actually going to college turns a goal into actuality. I can imagine the gratitude of parents who take advantage of this opportunity to encourage their offspring to attend Gavilan College’s “Science Alive” program.   I can imagine...