Jaime De La Cruz announced during his campaign fundraiser at the San Juan Oaks clubhouse in December 2015 that he would run for re-election to retain his seat representing District 5 on the Board of Supervisors. The campaign was funded for a vigorous challenge. A budget was generated and consultant was hired to promote social media with preparations made to purchase campaign signs, direct mail pieces and paid advertisements. 

But then nobody ran against him.

De La Cruz called the California Fair Political Practices Commission to learn how the campaign funds could legally be used for other causes. The FPPC advised him that he could maintain funds for a future campaign or donate funds to a campaign such as the Measure P – Repair Our Roads proposed half-cent sales tax which will direct an estimated $230 million over 30 years specifically dedicated to road maintenance and future Highway 25 improvements. He decided to donate $1,400 to pay for the bands who will be performing at the free kickoff concert/party to promote Measure P on Saturday evening from 5-9 p.m.

The lineup of bands includes: 

• Mariachi Alma de Mexico features musicians from Hollister and Gilroy. They perform at 5 p.m. The youth group of children from ages 6 through 17 demonstrate considerable skill and talent playing violin, trumpet, guitar while singing solo and choral arrangements of Mariachi song standards. 
• Michael Annotti, a native son of Hollister, performs at 6 p.m. Annotti,  a winner of the 2013 Los Angeles Music Award Album of the Year recognizing him for his self titled release: "Michael Annotti Ep," as well as a winner of the 2008 Star Music Awards best roots artist for his song "Brother Sun." During the summer of 2013, his single release "time keeps tickin"  climbed the national radio charts to No. 62 and reached No. 4 on the national indie charts for nine consecutive weeks. 
• The Roger Steen Band will headline the event at  7p.m. Roger is best known as lead guitarist for The Tubes who are still actively performing all over the world. The band features Roger Steen on guitar and vocals; Hank Gibson on bass, vocals; Bill Walker on keys, vocals; Paul Bevilacqua on drums; and Janice Kang on vocals and percussion. The band released an album of original music on CD in 2013 which is also available for download on iTunes and CD Baby. They perform an eclectic variety of classic rock covers of Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Steely Dan, B 52's, Rolling Stones, Squeeze, Beatles and of course The Tubes, as well as a few of their original songs. A video of the Roger Steen Band performing at the 2015 Hollister Independence Motorcycle Rally is linked below.

The event is free but seating is limited and managed by RSVP e-mail invitation. To get your invitation to this free concert/party, e-mail: [email protected] A no-host bar will be available upstairs at The Vault.