Politics

A sand and gravel quarry project proposed for the Paicines Ranch ran up against so much opposition, the applicant pulled the project before it even reached official consideration.

The lawsuit that could derail the city of San Juan Bautista’s lifting of a prior ban against franchise businesses focuses on the California Environmental Quality Act, claiming officials failed to interpret the ordinance as a “project” – which usually triggers the need for an environmental review.

Due to a lawsuit and the potential cost to fight it, San Juan Bautista officials are in the process of reinstating a ban against franchise businesses.

Officials hope the state order urging San Juan Bautista residents to avoid drinking tap water could be lifted by the start of fall but might stay in effect until spring of 2015, a deadline set to meet the safe standard for nitrates in drinking water.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez will have one opponent, Keith Snow, in his reelection bid on the November ballot.

Seven candidates are facing off for three open seats on the San Benito High School District Board, while another seven candidates will vie for three open seats on the Hollister School District Board as well.

The city Friday reactivated the crosswalk on Nash Road near the high school that had continually malfunctioned.

When the Hollister council authorized Code Enforcement Mike Chambless to proactively enforce sign violations early this year, it meant the increasingly common sandwich-board signs in downtown would face scrutiny because they are prohibited in Hollister.

The companies overseeing a massive solar project in Panoche Valley came to terms on a 20-year “power purchase agreement” with a utility in Southern California, according to an announcement from that utility, Southern California Edison.

Gavilan College trustees voted in closed session last month to change the way trustees are voted into office, confirmed Trustee Tony Ruiz, who represents the Hollister area on the board.