Politics

The Hollister City Council on Monday is set to consider approving a budget and the incoming police chief's contract.

Public criticism over the Prop. 218 majority protest process – as it relates to Hollister’s implementation of new water rates – spurred an impassioned response from the city manager at a recent council meeting.

The Sixth District Court of Appeal ruled Tuesday in favor of PV2 Energy and the county in the lawsuit from Save Panoche Valley, the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society over the 399-megawatt solar farm proposed in San Benito County.

The Hollister City Council is set to hold a special meeting Tuesday to close off side streets for the motorcycle rally and give direction on the 2013-14 budget.

Incoming Hollister Police Chief David Westrick will be sworn in July 2 at the Veterans Memorial Building.

The three agencies overseeing the Hollister Area Water Project – a $30 million set of endeavors that will help the community meet quality standards, but will just about double city users’ rates – are hosting an open house July 9.

Don’t expect serious talks to pick up until at least 2016 on law enforcement consolidation in San Benito County.

The Hollister City Council is set to meet Monday and consider hiring an outside labor negotiator, along with the future direction for the city manager and city attorney roles.

Hollister School District trustees Thursday night reversed course on a prior cancellation to contracts with the city – over use of facilities for recreation programs – and directed staff officials to revive negotiations on a new agreement.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez said he wants to see at least $500,000 in savings to move ahead with a law enforcement contract involving the Hollister Police Department and San Benito County Sheriff’s Office.