Politics

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.

Two county employees were reported to have at least 87 days over a vacation cap implemented in April as supervisors received a six-month status report on balances Tuesday.

After about a dozen years as the face and voice of the San Benito County Republican Central Committee, Marvin Jones is no longer heading up the local organization.

In November 2008, council members canceled the Hollister Motorcycle Rally for the second time in less than three years. Top officials in the deficit-straddled city decided financial security outweighed the escalating costs – primarily a $360,000 security price tag – which came with Hollister’s signature event.

Councilman Victor Gomez told fellow officials he was "in shock" when newly elected Mayor Ignacio Velazquez announced Monday he would recuse himself from any discussions or decisions regarding a potential motorcycle rally.

Hollister council members Monday honored the victims of Friday's shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Hollister Fire Chief Fred Cheshire, subject of the fire union's no-confidence vote earlier this year, is set to retire in April.