Saying no to neon: Hollister’s ban on neon signs has upset business owners

A law banning the display of neon signs in Downtown Hollister has business owners confused and frustrated.

The hanging of a simple, “open,” sign can result in a hefty fine, according to owner of Ohana Shaved Ice, Peter Hernandez.

Hernandez shared his frustration. “They don’t see the sign. They don’t come into my shop because they think we’re closed,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez originally ordered up the custom-made sign in order to attract new customers to the store. With the lack of foot-traffic in downtown Hollister, he said he thinks a neon sign will help attract more people to the area. The sign was a $700 investment for Hernandez.

It wasn’t long before city code enforcement threatened one of his employees with a fine, if they did not take down the sign within 72 hours.

Shocked, Hernandez and his wife took to social media and spoke at a city council meeting, on Monday. The law was suspended, allowing businesses to keep their signs up, without penalty, until a final decision has been made.

The town’s Mayor, Ignacio Velazquez, admitted that he thinks the law is strange.

“No one really understands why neon signs were picked out as for as not being allowed. So, we’re trying to get that corrected,” said Velazquez.

With the mayor on board, Hernandez hopes he and other business owners will be able to keep their signs.

“We’re at a place now where we have to work harder. All of us as business owners are at a place, now, where we’re ready to do that,” said Hernandez.

He said he thinks this change will help bring more life to downtown Hollister.

The city said they plan to revisit the ordinance in October.