City doesn’t expect to get paid, councilman says
By Anthony Ha
Staff Writer
Hollister – The city has filed a suit against the Hollister Independence Rally Committee and its president, David Ventura, for the more than $250,000 that city officials say HIRC still owes.
“There’s really not an anticipation that we’ll get anything,” said Councilman Doug Emerson. “But suppose something happens in the future, if they reorganize, it’s like filing our claim on the money we’re owed.”
HIRC, a nonprofit corporation, organized the city’s signature motorcycle rally for nine years before filing for bankruptcy in January. City Manager Clint Quilter said that at the time the group still owed $350,000 to nine creditors, including more than $250,000 to the city for law enforcement. According to City Attorney Stephanie Atigh, the city is asking for any assets that HIRC still maintains in compensation for the money owed.
When asked about the suit’s court date, Atigh said, “We’re hoping to settle this case, so that remains to be seen.”
Atigh added that the city and HIRC leaders are currently discussing the case.
“Everyone wants to see this resolved, and we’re working towards that,” she said.
Attorneys Vincent P. Ventura declined to comment beyond confirming that he had been served papers and is currently in talks with the city.
The city canceled the rally this year, but some bikers still showed up and held an unofficial motorcycle invasion. Mayor Robert Scattini has organized a committee of local business leaders, city officials and motorcycle officials to coordinate rallies next year and beyond.
Emerson said that in order to ensure the city isn’t forced to pay the bills for future rallies, the City Council and other officials must work to get a “better, tighter contract” with organizers.
“We want to be sure that when we sign a contract, there’s financial backing somewhere,” Emerson said.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566, ext. 330 or ah*@fr***********.com.
