THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF SAN BENITO COUNTY
OCTOBER 5, 2018
Hollister’s martial master
Preader earns martial arts instructor of the year
SAN BENITO MAGAZINE INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A supplement to the Hollister Free Lance
Mark Preader receives honors
FARM BILL EXPIRES P2 | GAVILAN’S X-FACTOR P4 | CHRISTOPHER RANCH GROWS P14
HOLLISTER • SAN BENITO COUNTY
A New SV Media publication
Friday, October 5, 2018
sanbenito.com • Vol. 145, No. 40 • $1
Planners OK first steps for ‘the 400 Block’ UNANIMOUS VOTE ON THE ARCHITECT APPLICATION By Jaqueline McCool Reporter
➝ 400 Block, 11
Robert Eliasont
For nearly 30 years “the 400 block” in Hollister has sat vacant, part of a longterm plan to develop the site in the center of city, the last reminder of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Since 2016, plans for a mixed-use commercial/ residential/office structure at the corner of San Benito and Fourth streets have been a point of controversy within the City Council. A Hollister Planning Commission vote Sept. 27 set the stalled revised plans back in motion. The commission unanimously approved the site and architectural application for a “philanthropic building” and mixed-use space at the site. The City Council may finally be voting on these plans for the space as early as January 2019.
PASSIONATE TEACHER Owner Mark Preader helps students of all ages refine their skills, develop their strengths and discover their talents at Enterprise Academy of Martial Arts.
Martial arts are in all sizes
Though Mark Preader has been involved in the Hollister martial arts scene since 2006, he ventured out to create his own institute in 2015—Enterprise Academy of Martial Arts.
Robert Eliasont
Preader’s 2,800-square-foot facility accommodates 125 students, ages 3-58. His academy teaches mixed martial arts such as tae kwon do, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, eskrima, arnis and kali. Students 3-12 years old are given agespecific training, focusing on their physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth. Complete story in San Benito magazine inside.
BOXING BOY Student Cooper Pengelly takes tips on the punching bag from instructor Mark Preader, owner at Enterprise Academy of Martial Arts in Hollister.
Council candidates talk about the issues READERS SEEK CANDIDATES’ POSITIONS ON CITY STREETS, DOWNTOWN, JOB GROWTH By Jaqueline McCool Reporter
The Nov. 6 election is just one month away, when
Hollister voters will be selecting a majority of the City Council. Council seats in Districts 2, 3 and 4 are all open in the upcoming election. In District 2 the candidates are Mickie Solorio-Luna and Rolan Resendiz. In District 3 the candidates are Raul Escareno, Honor Spencer and Elia Salinas. The
District 4 candidates are Marty Richman and Salvador Mora. To help voters understand where candidates stand, the Hollister Free Lance asked residents what they wanted to hear from their city leaders. Using comments taken from Facebook, the Free Lance sent candidates three questions that address some of
the core concerns of Hollister residents. Each candidate was allotted approximately 50 words per question and responded via an emailed statement. Candidates with no statements chose not to respond to the Free Lance offer. Here are their statements.
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 27 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Register today! StratfordSchools.com/NorCalOH Morgan Hill Campus
| 410 Llagas Road | (408) 776-8801
DISTRICT 4
Salvador Mora 1. Street repairs
We need to hold elected officials accountable to spending and dedicating much-needed funds toward pavement ➝ Council Issues, 8