As last notifications loom, fire department yet to get grant
The Hollister Fire Department in the final round of notifications had not received word on a grant, the loss of which could result in the city laying off 12 firefighters.
Schedule announced for seasonal homeless shelter
The seasonal homeless shelter is set to open Dec. 3 through the end of March from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., according to the county.
Supervisors skeptical of fencing solution at store
County supervisors this week discussed the possibility of putting a fence around a property adjacent to Garden Mart, a local nursery in downtown Hollister, to help combat trespassing and loitering issues related to the homeless population.
County supervisors OK marijuana cultivation ordinance
Supervisors unanimously approved a marijuana cultivation “urgency” ordinance at today's board meeting that halts all new marijuana cultivation operations within the county.
City officials dig into surface fault investigation
Hollister City Council members are moving forward on negotiations for a contract with Lettis Consultants International on a proposed two-phase surface fault investigation of downtown, which is viewed as necessary if economic development is to continue downtown.
Election 2016: Mayor faces rival on another ballot
Incumbent Ignacio Velazquez and challenger Keith Snow answered questions from the Free Lance before November’s vote in their race for Hollister mayor. This is the third consecutive time Snow has challenged Velazquez for the two-year term.
Election 2016: Measure floats extending city sales tax
A 20-year extension on the city of Hollister’s voter-approved, 1 percent sales tax will go before voters in November. Measure W offers an extension of Measure E, which was enacted in 2012. The new, 20-year extension is expected to contribute $4.5 million annually to the city’s general fund if it passes. Last year, the special sales tax brought in around $4.6 million, according to city figures.
Gavilan board announces winners of Community Spirit Awards
Gavilan College has announced winners of this year's Community Spirit Awards, including those from San Benito County.
Records: Hollister code enforcement stays parked on weekends
On Sunday morning, a Honda car remained parked, vacant, on Felice Drive at a stop sign that intersects with Fourth Street, one of the most traveled routes in town. Hours later, a Honda CRV hybrid showed up behind the car—with both vehicles abandoned and left with “For Sale” signs and contact information attached.
Councilman burned out by marijuana committee
Hollister Councilman Karson Klauer removed himself from the city’s marijuana ad hoc committee because he said he was spending too much time on it. The council at last week’s meeting accepted his resignation from the panel, and this week approved Mayor Ignacio Velazquez to replace him.
