Editorials

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time not just for reflection but for action.  For decades, mental health has existed in the shadow of physical health, often stigmatized, misunderstood or simply ignored. But the truth is undeniable: mental health is an important aspect of...

When someone in our community is murdered, the pain reaches beyond the victim. It devastates families, close friends, neighbors and often the entire town. In the wake of such violence, our attention tends to focus on the police investigation or the court case. But...

In a fast-paced world often defined by digital interactions and fragmented routines, community festivals and local events serve as powerful reminders of what truly binds us together: shared experiences, cultural expression and human connection.  These gatherings, whether a neighborhood block party, a cultural celebration or...

The suspension and then the reinstatement of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has dominated national conversations this past week. For some, it is just another celebrity controversy; for others, it raises questions about accountability in media and entertainment. For us here in the community, it...

In the coming days, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces elimination for the month of November, or it may be partially funded—moves that threaten to deepen food insecurity for millions of Americans, including many right here in Hollister. SNAP, formerly known as food...

In a season often defined by shopping carts full of toys, packed grocery aisles and the annual scramble for the perfect pie, it can be easy to forget what Thanksgiving is truly about.  At its heart, the holiday isn’t measured by the size of the...

Small Business Saturday may have come and gone, but the importance of supporting our neighborhood shops, makers and service providers hasn’t faded with the weekend sales. If anything, this is the moment when shopping locally matters most. After the rush of Thanksgiving weekend, many small...