Politics

Hollister officials have estimated that law enforcement would cost $113,400 for a 2013 motorcycle rally – an amount that is less than one-third of the bill for security at the most recent biker event in 2008.

Assemblyman Luis Alejo announced he was reappointed as chairman of the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee for the 2013-14 legislative session. 

In light of a ruling from the Fair Political Practices Commission, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez has reversed course and plans to take part in the decision on a prospective motorcycle rally.

San Benito County's general plan preliminary draft is anticipated to be released in January with a final price tag of $1.2 million. With the three-year process nearly complete, supervisors are considering a way to collect some of the cost through impact fees.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed 876 bills in the past legislative session, most of which take effect today, including this sampling.

Hollister will have a new interim police chief later this week when Capt. Carlos Reynoso takes on the role and current Interim Police Chief David Westrick moves back into the captain spot.

Since the start of 2012, Hollister code enforcement staff members have received 25 reports of substandard housing matters – with other reports coming into the county's jurisdiction as well.

With the presidential race nationally and Hollister’s first mayor’s race locally – along with many other consequential ballot questions and contests – it was a year defined by politics in San Benito County. The following is a rundown of many important political matters throughout 2012.

A host of new laws are going into effect statewide Jan. 1, and Central Coast lawmakers have contributed their share.

Several highly debated topics – including a Hollister motorcycle rally – are on the agenda at the year's first intergovernmental committee meeting.