Local officials and businesses are in wait-and-see mode as the normally busy Fourth of July weekend kicks off without an organized motorcycle rally in downtown Hollister.
"We're preparing for an influx of people," said City Manager Clint Quilter. "The police department is handling it differently than a standard weekend, but I can't go into the details of that."
The fire department will be doing its standard code enforcement duties during the weekend, watching for illegal fireworks.
"Other than that, we have our normal on-call folks ready if needed," Quilter said. "I think we have at least a reasonable idea of what goes on based on 2006," the last time there was not a city-sanctioned rally downtown. "There's not as much unknown as there was that particular year. I feel confident with the police chief's and the staff's preparation."
Since February, the city has run a notice on its Web site noting that the City Council voted to cancel the Hollister Motorcycle Rally due to concerns over "spiraling expenses," particularly related to law enforcement. The notice also cited costs to the city associated with preparing for the rally, which has been an annual event since 1997.
Roy Iler, operations lieutenant for the San Benito County Sheriff's Office, said the department "is just going status quo."
"We'll be doing patrol checks at Bolado Park more often" for the Gypsy Tour Motorcycle Classic that starts Friday, Iler said, adding that organizers of the event have hired their own security. "We'll be coordinating with them on and off throughout the weekend."
Below, see the premiere of The News and You, with Gypsy Tour Motorcycle Classic promoter Roger Grimsley as a guest.
Adam Breen Adam Breen is a staff writer with the Weekend Pinnacle.
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