Politics

At least two residents alleged Hollister School District trustees violated the Brown Act when they appointed a trustee to a vacant position on the board in a quick vote without explaining their decisions or discussing candidates in public. Their opposition to the appointment has led to efforts for a possible special election, too.

U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, who has represented San Benito County the past 23 years in Congress, announced he will not seek reelection next year.

Marguerite Maze Middle School’s principal received a new assignment that started this week.

Most San Juan Bautista council members Monday read over a proposed fire contract line by line as if a misspelling or improper acronym might lead to their deaths. Councilman Jim West, who didn’t bother bringing the contract document to the gathering, generally sat back and wasn’t part of the extraordinarily thorough examination.

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Hollister School District trustees took steps toward pursuing a second general obligation facilities bond during a board meeting last week.

Three appointments are filled for San Benito County agencies on the revived Mobility Partnership alliance with the Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority collaborating on plans for the future of regional highway expansion.

A medical pot dispensary asked San Juan Bautista officials to rescind a ban against such operations, and the city's officials indicated they might move in the opposite direction and tighten current regulations.

As expected, San Benito County supervisors this week agreed to pursue a 1 percent sales tax in unincorporated areas on the November ballot.

San Benito High School Superintendent John Perales asked trustees to give direction to staff to explore a second bond, even though the topic was not part of the agenda for the special meeting Tuesday night.