The first edition of Hollister’s quarterly newsletter came out last week and the glossy publication included three brief items for upcoming events, along with a slew of shorter announcements and city advertisements.
As officials had planned, the first edition of what is dubbed the “Hollister Current” came in the mail to city residents late last week. It included items on the Hollister Airshow that took place over Memorial Day weekend, information for residents interested in obtaining block party permits, a summary on the revived motorcycle rally, and the list of upcoming events.
About half of the detailed, informational items are in Spanish, while the only portions of the newsletter that are strictly in English include an introductory paragraph and some of the ads.
Hollister council members recently approved the launch of a city newsletter – a quarterly publication put together by planning department staff members estimated to cost $5,000 for each edition’s design, printing and distribution, or $20,000 per year toward the $14 million general fund budget.
Relatively new Mayor Ignacio Velazquez pushed forward the idea for a newsletter, with the intent to keep the public better informed on city news. Velazquez initially said he envisioned three pages in English and one in Spanish. After the first edition’s release, officials attributed the near split in space to formatting issues.
“To be honest with you, it’s probably way less than half (in Spanish),” said planning official Bill Avera, who is overseeing the project from the city’s side.
The printer of the first edition, Design Line & Granger Printing, received clearance to adjust the formatting, Avera said.
“I think she decided to go ahead and do it that way and have it kind of intermixed,” Avera said.
Avera noted that the city plans to give each interested printer a chance to produce at least one newsletter. Caputo Printing Co. and MainStreet Media Group, which owns the Free Lance, also submitted bids.
