Since I’m always interested in doing better, my columns are
often focused on our shortcomings, but it’s also important to take
inventory of what went right in both Hollister and San Benito
County.
Since I’m always interested in doing better, my columns are often focused on our shortcomings, but it’s also important to take inventory of what went right in both Hollister and San Benito County. Here, among many others, are just some of the things in which we can take special pride:
Making lemonade: Thanks to the cooperation of the city and county governments, the Redevelopment Agency and the state, the abandoned lemon of the old Fremont School downtown is on its way to being a the new San Benito County Superior Courthouse. The cleanup of another lemon, the former Leatherback industrial site, is almost complete and we will be looking for new occupants to try the lemonade in short order.
The three Rs: Five Hollister elementary schools scored better than the state target of 800 on the Academic Performance Index (API). The five averaged 845!
Say aah: Hazel Hawkins Hospital opened a new clinic to serve the Westside and the hospital renovation and expansion is moving on to a grand opening this fall.
Rolling along: The Highway 25 Bypass is complete and operating at full speed. Meanwhile, badly needed safety improvements are being added to Highway 25.
Bug out: Though a combination of an aggressive public health campaign promoting good hygiene, a countywide vaccination program and hard working volunteers, we minimized the threat posed by the H1N1 flu virus.
Ganging up on the gangs: We filled the critical position of Gang Task Force Coordinator and, almost immediately, we were rewarded with a $400,000 anti-gang funding grant.
Taking a bite out of crime: The Hollister Police Department was named department of the year by WeTIP and the county sheriff’s deputies raised the funds needed for new K-9 unit.
Read me first: The San Benito County Free Library has been revamped and they added a new Bookmobile; if you can’t come to the library, the library may be able to come to you.
It’s good to be loved: Ridgemark found a new owner with ambitious plans for its future.
Top of the profession: San Benito County Public Defender Greg LaForge was sworn in as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court’s bar association whose members are eligible to argue cases before the country’s highest judicial body. Hollister Police Officer Christopher Wells received a California Hero Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his efforts in enforcing DUI laws.
Park it, pooch: The city and county continue to encourage parks and every dog will have his day as the new dog park comes into being.
Telling cancer to take a hike: It was another great turnout for Relay for Life. County and city residents rack up the miles and the donations.
That family feeling: Sometimes we can’t stand each other, but we still manage to live together in general harmony. For all its faults and problems, I’d rather be here than most other places and that is the ultimate test – I’m proud to live in Hollister.
Marty Richman is a Hollister resident.
