Politics

The long-awaited transfer of San Benito Street to local control could be less than a year away, opening up the downtown corridor to beautification projects that could make it more walkable and appealing to consumers.

Both sides of the Measure E sales tax argument pointed to its potential impact on economic development. Proponents contended that with fewer resources, it would drive away new businesses. The most vocal opponent argued that a lower sales tax would benefit small businesses, and that the city should get out of the economic development business altogether.

In an attempt to give Hollister vendors a leg up with city contracts, the council this week supported a 5 percent bidding advantage for those businesses. The preference, however, will not apply to county vendors.

This evening in downtown Hollister, it might feel like the summer of 2008 all over again.

After discussions over possibly moving the Hollister Airshow to a weekend near July 4, council members Monday decided in a 4-1 vote to keep the event running over Memorial Day weekend.

With help from a federal grant, work is set to begin on a project to improve the storm water drainage at the Hollister Municipal Airport in November with plans to complete construction before the fire season begins next spring.

Four local nonprofits are hosting a Measure E forum Wednesday to offer both sides of the proposal opportunities to make their cases for and against the proposed extension to a 1 percent sales tax.

Aromas residents remain concerned about potential oil and gas drilling in their quiet enclave – concerns they say could lead to water contamination in their community and other areas of San Benito County.

The San Benito County officials heard from members of the public and two spokespeople from oil interests at Tuesday's supervisors' meeting.