Mayor Ignacio Velazquez Archives

Though the DA's office took no action for violating the Brown Act, it did warn against any further violations. Photo by John Chadwell.

DA’s office finds Hollister mayor violated Brown Act

Published 04/13/2022
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

The San Benito County district attorney’s investigator cautioned the City Council to educate itself and avoid further violations.

Superior Court Judge Omar Rodriguez agreed to give attorney Brad Sullivan a 90-day continuance for medical reasons. Photo by John Chadwell.

UPDATE: Tentative ruling in Hollister Mayor and council member lawsuit extended 90 days

Published 07/21/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Judge orders special motion to strike case brought by Irma Gonzalez and Elia Salinas against Mayor Velazquez and Councilman Resendiz but allows plaintiffs to make new claims within 90 days.

Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez. File Photo by John Chadwell.

New ordinance gives Hollister mayor power to jail council and members of the public

Published 07/01/2021
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

It enables Velazquez to operate more like the mayors of larger cities.

Joint government meeting reveals shortcomings, plans for dealing with pandemic

Published 03/16/2020
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Representatives from San Benito County address how prepared agencies and the hospital are for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Elected officials ask for an organized and united communication plan.

The 400 block of San Benito Street. Photos by John Chadwell.

Deadline passes for mayor to sue over 400 block development

Published 07/23/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

No sign that Velazquez has filed in San Benito County or elsewhere.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez said he may possibly sue because of the council's decision against his appeal. Photos by John Chadwell.

400 Block appeal fails

Published 06/04/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Hollister mayor says he’ll “most likely” sue.

While the audience was meager at a May 16 meeting hosted by Mayor Ignacio Velazquez and Supervisor Peter Hernandez, the topics were far-ranging. Photos by John Chadwell.

Mayor Velazquez and Supervisor Hernandez hold town hall

Published 05/23/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Elected officials and business leaders discuss cannabis, growth, roads and tourism.

400 block appeal hearing delayed

Published 05/22/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Several locals voice frustration with rescheduling to June 3.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez opposes development of the 400 block because he believes it is the wrong project to attract people to come downtown. Photos by John Chadwell.

Hollister mayor appeals Planning Commission approval of 400 block development

Published 05/17/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, John Chadwell

Ignacio Velazquez's appeal will go before the City Council on May 20. If it fails to be upheld, he will decide whether or not to sue.

The 400 block at the corner of Fourth Street and San Benito Street. The Vault building, owned by Mayor Ignacio Velazquez, sits in the background. File photo by John Chadwell.

Hollister Mayor’s letter delays approval of 400 Block tentative map

Published 03/06/2019
BenitoLink Reporter, Noe Magaña

Planning Commission moves to first review Velazquez’s claims.

No easy answers come out of town hall meeting on growth

Published 05/03/2018
John Chadwell

Residents voiced their outrage and sense of helplessness in addressing growth as Mayor Velazquez and Supervisor Medina advised them to get involved in the political process.

The 400 block at the corner of Fourth Street and San Benito Street. The Vault building, owned by Mayor Ignacio Velazquez, sits in the background. Photo by John Chadwell.

Attorney General decision goes against petition to stop sale of 400 block

Published 05/02/2018
John Chadwell

Hollister residents and city officials have waited since September 2017 to hear back from the state attorney general on whether a referendum could be added to the November ballot. Word came back that it cannot.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez recused himself as other council members decided fate of petition.

Government / Politics

Hollister mayor threatens suit against city over 400 Block, officials say his “facts” wrong

Published 09/01/2017
John Chadwell

Ignacio Velazquez says he will sue city over 400 Block and that officials are misleading the public. City and county officials do not support the mayor's story and the city manager questions his motives because Velazquez tried to develop the 400 Block