Politics

Over the next two weeks, the city plans to install high-visibility crosswalks near two local schools.

The Hollister Police Department is asking for the council's direction on the possible funding of a traffic officer with money provided through an assembly bill.

Hollister officials last week placed Fire Chief Mike O'Connor on administrative leave due to an undisclosed personnel matter in the department, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez confirmed.

Measure J's opposition has brought its donation total to nearly $1.9 million through the latest reporting period, while the committee supporting the initiative raised a total of about $108,000 through the same date, according to campaign finance documents.

San Benito County has entered into an agreement along with Santa Cruz County for a CodeRED emergency notification system, according to an announcement from the Hollister Police Department. 

San Juan Bautista council members Tuesday delayed consideration of a new sign ordinance barring such signs as those that are animated, portable or freestanding billboards.

San Juan Bautista council members voted 3-2 to endorse the Measure J initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot.

San Juan Bautista officials in August reinstated a long-held ban against franchise businesses, but an exemption in that 2007 version of the law allows the city to approve franchise businesses such as the proposed, debated gas station at Windmill Market, the city manager told the Free Lance.

San Juan Bautista Councilman Tony Boch gave a standard report at Tuesday's council meeting about the latest Council of San Benito County Governments board meeting he attended and reported that "nothing affecting San Juan" happened there.

San Juan Bautista officials Tuesday discussed a fire caused by explosion to a camper Oct. 13 at The Alameda.