For weeks, prospects for continuation of the Hollister
Independence Rally gradually worsened. But now a widespread
pessimism has taken a turn toward promising.
For weeks, prospects for continuation of the Hollister Independence Rally gradually worsened. But now a widespread pessimism has taken a turn toward promising.
State Sen. Jeff Denham (R–Salinas) is working to convince the governor’s office and senior ranks in state law enforcement to send the needed officers to Hollister at no charge, according to Denham. Mayor Tony Bruscia commissioned the local senator’s help.
Denham will continue imploring state law enforcement agencies in the coming days, he said. The California Highway Patrol has committed to this year’s event, and Denham said he sent a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenneger regarding the rally.
“I think it’s a matter of tradition,” said Denham, adding the tourist attraction also provides “definite tax revenues.”
He acknowledged the state earns more money in sales tax revenues from the rally than it would spend by sending officers at no charge.
If Denham somehow procures the needed officers, local officials say it would largely solve the city’s two major problems: finding enough officers to secure downtown and gaining an assurance the rally would break even financially.
Local leaders – after several weeks of compounding barriers to the rally’s future – have expressed optimism in recent days about 2004.
“We need to get it done, and I think everybody’s pulling their thoughts together,” Councilman Robert Scattini said.
At tonight’s 7 p.m. meeting, Council members – who anticipate a packed crowd – will consider future options for the rally.
A new contract with the Hollister Independence Rally Committee (HIRC) is under consideration. But City Manager Dale Shaddox said he doesn’t expect a deal approval tonight.
Although the latest news may lessen the wallop of criticism from local businesses and motorcycle lovers, those most affected say they’re eager to voice concerns.
“There are certain elements of it I don’t understand,” said Hollister resident Maurice Murray, vice president of Custom Chrome, a Harley–Davidson after market parts distributor in Morgan Hill. “I’m not convinced whether there is real motivation on the City Council to solve and fix the problems.”
He believes if the rally dissolves, so will Hollister’s motorcycle mystique, which began in 1947 when thousands of bikers, according to reports, invaded the city. The accounts inspired the 1953 movie, “The Wild One.”
Perilous challenges arose about a month ago when Hollister officials began calling outside law enforcement agencies to obtain commitments for 2004.
Many agencies that sent officers in past years informed local officials they would no longer do so unless Hollister picked up workers’ compensation liability. Hollister officials, however, say the city can’t afford that.
Furthering the obstacle, HIRC must more than double its revenues in 2004 to break even. That’s because Hollister and other agencies are now requiring compensation for officers’ pay over that weekend.
Shaddox, though, who previously expressed doubt whether HIRC can earn the needed revenues, said there are “positive indicators” about HIRC’s ability to make the money.
As of this week, meanwhile, 20 city and county departments have declined to send officers, and officials are awaiting responses from eight other jurisdictions. The Monterey Sheriff’s Department may send five officers but has not committed yet.
“From what I know, we don’t have the problem solved,” Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller said.
And that’s one reason why emotions could fly tonight.
Thunder Road owner Charles Broers said rally weekend, in business terms, is “like Christmas for me.” He hopes to go tonight, he said.
“If they cancel the rally, it is literally going to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” Broers said.
Council members say they want it here, too. Whether that happens, however, depends on several uncertainties – not a simple aye or nay.
“We’re hopeful we can make something happen,” Bruscia said.
