Opinion

News reports that the California High Speed Rail Association’s newest “business plan” proposes getting 18 million annual riders from Gilroy is, as predicted, more lipstick on a bankrupt-from-conception socialist boondoggle. The population of Gilroy is 60,390, with 47,200 adults. Morgan Hill's population is 45,952. So,...

Rodeos are barbaric How is it possible that watching animals suffer is considered a source of entertainment? A horse breaks its neck and dies…. and that is just collateral damage all in the name of good old family fun? Rodeos are barbaric. Anyone who partakes, or is...

I agree with Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner in regard to considering options for Caltrain rail service in the future. In the same vein, Gilroy City Councilmember Zach Hilton must be commended for his effort to work with South County representatives in attempting to...

Re: Insight backs off, Free Lance, Aug. 22, 2025 We could gaze at an innocent, adorable, smiling baby and simply melt into joy. Sometimes it seems that our own hospital is like an irresistible baby begging for tender loving care. Our hospital, like our adorable...

In a previous letter to the editor, I briefly listed some reasons to adopt a more skeptical outlook of the recall campaigns. And so far, none of those reasons have been resolved.  However, one concern stands out above the rest: the unnerving reluctance among the...

This year, San Benito County is focused on repaving some of the most traveled commuter routes with a focus on safety.  Of course, the list of rural San Benito County roads needing repairs is seemingly endless due to decades of deferred improvements. The vast majority...

A decade ago, California summers brought not only heat, but the threat of rolling blackouts. Extreme heat waves pushed our electricity system to the brink, leaving millions without power when they needed it most.  The story has changed. Thanks to battery energy storage systems (BESS),...

Author reflects on iconic moment, upcoming local performances Every August, I reminisce about my adventurous week at the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Fair, now 56 years ago. I think about the heat and humidity and the smell of patchouli oil, incense, cow manure and...

Like the TV commercial that promotes a squeeze product in a tube to repair damage, our county wants us to prepare for the next damage. According to the Free Lance, our county wants us to attend a workshop and to respond to a survey...

Some time ago, recall campaigns against Supervisors Kollin Kosmicki and Ignacio Velasquez kicked off their petition drive.  Proponents write, “This recall is necessary to restore integrity, transparency and respectful leadership to San Benito County.” It’s a noble aspiration, even if it is a bit generic....