Heroes in our midst
This is a story of ordinary events that unexpectedly escalated into extraordinary circumstances, of dangerous situations that were resolved peacefully—events that in other communities have resulted in tragic, even deadly consequences. But not in Hollister.
In the late morning on the day after the Fourth...
Free Lance Editorial: Racism claim is a big leap
While leaders can always improve on considerations of ethnicity in schools, San Benito High School Trustee Raymond Rodriguez took a superfluous leap in contending differing drug-awareness presentations – one in English, the other in Spanish – were a reflection of institutional racism.
Hollister Is Heading Down a Potholed Path to Trouble
With the news of the Hollister City Council's recent approval of
Community Board: No reason to rush on pot ordinance
Hollister City Council members considering a proposed medicinal marijuana ordinance should keep in mind that there is no rush to make a final decision. More important, local voters will offer a collective take on recreational pot in November that should ease any political tensions...
Pinnacle Editorial: Rehab program deserves support
The San Benito County Behavioral Health Department received a much-needed boost for a sober-living program that should help many individuals clean up their lives while curtailing recidivism rates of local inmates.
Let Freitas speak about his possible dismissal
San Benito County supervisors should do one of their planning commissioners, Anthony Freitas, the courtesy of rescheduling a vote on his potential dismissal from the commission to a meeting he can attend.
Editorial: Looking forward to telling the stories that matter
As the calendar turns, there’s a natural temptation to rush forward—to close the book on 2025 as quickly as possible and greet 2026 with a fresh page and high hopes.
That instinct is understandable. This past year asked a lot of us.
In big ways and...
Editorial: Lion count would ensure safety, security
With signs that mountain lions may be getting all too comfortable with humans and all too willing to hunt during daylight, there is enough concern about potential public safety ramifications to reestablish a more reliable, structured count.
Brown v. Brown
Governor Jerry Brown is no relation to the late Assemblyman Ralph Brown, for whom the Ralph M. Brown Act—which since 1953 as guaranteed the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies in California—was named.
The governor is increasingly no friend...








