Hollister
– As Hollister residents ring in the New Year, local law
enforcement will be focused on safety.
Hollister – As Hollister residents ring in the New Year, local law enforcement will be focused on safety.
Hollister sees increases in driving under the influence arrests and loud party calls, said Officer Rosie Betanio, a spokeswoman for the Hollister Police Department. From New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day in 2005-2006, police responded to four non-alcohol-related crashes, four batteries, five domestic disturbances, made one driving under the influence arrest and were called on 13 loud parties, Betanio said.
This year, police will focus on the safety of New Year’s Eve revelers.
“We’ll have a higher visibility in certain areas,” Betanio said. “Especially when the bars start closing.”
Although the Hollister Police Department will not have extra officers on duty, officers will be near the bars to ensure last call goes peacefully.
Charisse Tyson, owner of Johnny’s Bar and Grill on San Benito Street, expects many of the bar’s regulars to come for an appetizer and champagne on New Year’s Eve.
“A lot of people go home before midnight,” Tyson said.
But she has made efforts to make New Year’s Eve safer for her patrons.
“We have a designated driver for anyone who needs a lift home from Johnny’s,” Tyson said.
Downtown Hollister will not be the only area where law enforcement will crack down on alcohol-related crime. The California Highway Patrol will be stepping up efforts to curb drinking and driving.
The maximum enforcement period began at 6pm Friday and will run through New Year’s Day. The CHP has extra officers on duty, Hollister-Gilroy area CHP Officer Brad Voyles said.
“People do have a tendency to be out on the roads,” Voyles said. “And some people will be drinking and driving.”
From Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 in 2005-2006, the CHP made three driving under the influence arrests, Voyles said. The CHP made two driving under the influence arrests in that same period in 2004-2005, Voyles said.
Voyles said party people should designate a driver for New Year’s Eve.
The Sheriff’s Office will also be on high alert for drunken drivers, Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tom Keylon said.
“I think a lot of the focus is going to be on DUI drivers,” Keylon said. “Just making sure the county roads are safe.”
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected].
