Ag Against Hunger works four ways
I opened the Pinnacle today to a very inspiring and refreshing
cover story! Thank you Pinnacle for representing positive local
community news as your feature story! Thank you Coke family for
inspiring positive community action! The program featured in your
cover story, Ag Against Hunger, is exactly the type of local
community outreach Hollister and San Benito County can benefit from
while inspiring other ag communities.
The ag hunger program illustrates four major campaigns for
changing the way we live and becoming a greener more useful
agricultural environment. We can all learn from this program in
four very important current call-to-action items: 1. This program
takes local organic wholesome food and shares it with those in
need. 2. It brings our community together through volunteers of all
walks of life and generates unity amongst our neighbors. 3. Young
people are learning the invaluable skill of living off our land and
eliminating waste while serving others. This changes future
generations. 4. This is real action rather than sitting around and
talking about good ideas, it’s actually happening and that is truly
refreshing for a local person such as myself who truly loves San
Benito County and all its agricultural beauty!
Mariah Giunta
Hollister
Ag Against Hunger works four ways
I opened the Pinnacle today to a very inspiring and refreshing cover story! Thank you Pinnacle for representing positive local community news as your feature story! Thank you Coke family for inspiring positive community action! The program featured in your cover story, Ag Against Hunger, is exactly the type of local community outreach Hollister and San Benito County can benefit from while inspiring other ag communities.
The ag hunger program illustrates four major campaigns for changing the way we live and becoming a greener more useful agricultural environment. We can all learn from this program in four very important current call-to-action items: 1. This program takes local organic wholesome food and shares it with those in need. 2. It brings our community together through volunteers of all walks of life and generates unity amongst our neighbors. 3. Young people are learning the invaluable skill of living off our land and eliminating waste while serving others. This changes future generations. 4. This is real action rather than sitting around and talking about good ideas, it’s actually happening and that is truly refreshing for a local person such as myself who truly loves San Benito County and all its agricultural beauty!
Mariah Giunta
Hollister
Of roses and taxes
Driving around Hollister on Mother’s Day it appeared there were 10 new floral shops. I stopped by a legitimate floral shop downtown on Sunday to buy my mom a bouquet of roses knowing my tax dollars were going back into the community. At the corner of Nash and Sunnyslope I stopped by a fly-by-night man selling flowers. I asked him where his business license was, no answer.
The same question at the Texaco fuel station on McCray Street. As a legitimate business owner who has to pay for a business license how is it possible these people continue to sell within the city limits? Who polices these infractions and how about the legitimate floral shops that suffer when people stop to buy their floral arrangements on a dusty corner of Hollister? Think twice when you buy from these law-breaking individuals as your money leaves the community.
Bill Mifsud
Hollister
How open is our government?
At the initial Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 8, there were some problems with the agenda. In particular, I am referring to agenda item No. 28 dealing with an amendment to the county administrative officer’s (CAO) employment agreement. I found the information provided in agenda item No. 28 and supportive documents to be vague, misleading, incomplete and in some instances simply nonexistent. In addition, there were some possible Brown Act violations. Following are my concerns.
Agenda item No. 28 did not provide enough information for the public. What was amendment No. 1? What information did it contain? What did it change? (California Government Code 54954.2)
Was the Board of Supervisors approving CAO’s merit increase and new compensation? Agenda item No. 28 did not indicate that they were. The board cannot take action on items that are not on agenda. The public was denied the right to be notified of items to be considered. (Government Code sections 54954.2, 54953c, 54954.3)
Agenda item No. 28, CAO’s compensation agreement, amendment No. 1, and minutes did not disclose the percentage of merit increase or the total percent salary increase received by CAO. Why? (54954.2)
In compensation agreement, CAP stated that her annual evaluation was completed in July 2007, yet the minutes indicated that no reportable action was taken. Why? Reportable action taken in closed session on July 24, 2007 was not disclosed until after closed session on Aug. 14, 2007 – a three-week delay. Why? (54957.1)
More importantly, after closed session on Aug. 14, 2007, the public was told that the CAO’s merit increase would be discussed and established after negotiations with SEIU were completed. Her merit increase, new compensation and total percent salary increase were never discussed, disclosed or voted on in open session as promised and required by the Brown Act (54957, 54953c, 54957.7). Where was county counsel? What are his responsibilities? I commend Supervisor Pat Loe for her vote against amendment No. 1.
CAO’s new compensation was shown as $160,284 plus benefits. With increased value to benefits her total percent salary increase is about 8.5 percent or approximately three times what county employees received.
What does $160,284 plus benefits represent? Monetary value of benefits must be disclosed because the county is reporting the sum of both to the retirement system (PERS) as her salary.
I am not questioning the justification for awarding the large salary increase to the CAO or how benefits are used. However I strongly question the total lack of transparency, full disclosure and possible Brown Act violations in dealing with the CAO’s new compensation. The Brown Act required the Board of Supervisors to deliberate and take actions openly. The CAO’s and the Board of Supervisors’ action on this matter does not constitute open government.
The CAP must provide agendas to the board and the public that are clear, specific and legally accurate on all matters that come before the board. The Board of Supervisors must insist on this if they are to gain the public’s trust. This was not an isolated incident.
Aurelio Zuniga
Hollister
Sleepless in San Juan
On May 6, I attended the Board of Supervisor’s meeting in Hollister for the public hearing on the Caltrans Hwy. 156 proposed six-lane “corridor” through the “sacred” San Juan Valley from the Alameda and Hwy. 156 intersection of San Juan Bautista.
Sound: I am “sleepless in San Juan.” I am a military wartime veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I suffer from sleep deprivation, one of the conditions of PTSD.
As a fine artist, I have been living in the once quiet historic Mission City of San Juan Bautista since 1984. Back then, noise pollution was less obtrusive. Back then, I could hear across the highway the laughter of the school children at play
Then, in 1995, Route 156 was expanded to a four-lane expressway from Monterey Street to The Alameda which included a traffic signal at the intersection.
I have heard from many of my San Juan friends’ how their sleep is effected.
My wake-up jolts at night are increased multi-fold by this intrusion.
Sometimes, it sounds like gunfire when the semis hit the center bump.
Now, by 2008, it is like a war zone. From the caution light at the top of the hill the eastbound big rigs scream down with jake brakes full on or horn-blow through their intersection’s red light.
Safety: In broad daylight, on three separate occasions, upon my green light entry to cross the Alameda -156 intersection into San Juan, I was nearly taken out by a Big Rig – “horn blowing” through his red light at full speed. Once, I was missed being killed by a Semi-trailer truck to within a centimeter of my life. I had to pull over and sit a half hour catching my breath and to understand the harsh reality of the near miss.
I tell you, being a Medic in the military made me brave, but it takes real guts to try to cross The Alameda/Hwy. 156 intersection. Along the stretch to Hollister, there have been 309 total vehicular collisions, four fatalities and 105 injuries.
My concern is not only for my SAFETY, but also for the school buses loaded with children and mothers with their children and baby strollers attempting to cross the intersection.
With 26,500 vehicles on Hwy. 156 by 2012, their will be more sacrificial victims.
Consideration: My greatest desire is for Caltrans to get the trucks away from San Juan Bautista, leaving 156 as the scenic route through our beautiful San Juan Valley, ancestral sacred land.
It needs to be treated as sacred and precious and preserved instead of raping a “trade route” through it. Send the trucks on the north 101 to Hwy. 129 eastbound across the hills with the connect to Hwy. 25/156. PLEASE!
Economics: The economic base of tourism to this unique, historic town with its Mission ambience and surrounding hills and valley of prime agricultural lands will be undermined if a pavement swath 330 foot wide desecrates San Juan Valley.
San Juan Bautista has Preserve America status and was awarded a 2008 Distinctive Destination. We have Plaza Square of the State Park that brings school buses of children and parents to San Juan to be educated about the Park and California Mission system.
I wonder, has Governor Schwarzenegger ever visited our remarkable, historic town? He needs to be here to appreciate its quaint, old-time ambience and to see what is happening to our town. May our town and valley be blessed and escape the Caltrans proposed “trade route!”
Elayne “Laynee” Bluebird Reyna
San Juan Bautista
Freitas silent over 156
Funny how the self-proclaimed “Voter’s Voice in District 2” was completely silent at yesterday’s (May 6) Board of Supervisors meeting. San Juan and Hollister residents crammed the Supervisors chamber to protest the ridiculously huge expressway that Caltrans is planning for Hwy. 156.
Thank you Anthony Botelho for being the only Supervisor to stand up to Caltrans. Shame on Pat Loe, Jaime De La Cruz and Reb Monaco for turning your back on county residents because the four-lane expressway and two-lane frontage road isn’t being built in your backyard. Other options are available that are considerably less invasive and will improve safety. Anthony Botelho is fighting to preserve valuable ag land and livelihoods.
Why didn’t Mr. Freitas speak since the room was full of District 2 voters and this monstrosity is to be erected in his backyard? Did he think we would not notice? Since the rest of the Board of Supervisors is happy to stay silent and let the state roll over our valley then if Mr. Freitas gets elected, he’ll fit right in.
Kelly Blanchard
Hollister
Where’s the integrity?
Several items caught my eye while reviewing campaign literature of Marian Cruz, candidate for supervisor District 5. She is challenging the incumbent, Jaime De La Cruz, who defeated Mrs. Cruz’s husband, Robert, four years ago.
Under “Campaign Contributions” – It appeared to be bad that De La Cruz has received “$8,760 funds under $100 not required to disclose source.” That is a lot of grass roots support from individuals donating $5, $10, $20… Normally that is positive. On the other side, it appears to be good that Cruz “does not solicit contributions …” Why? Will no one donate to her campaign? That is negative.
Under “Ethical Standards” – Cruz is “Known for honesty and integrity.” On the other side, De La Cruz has a “Criminal record: charged with felonies, convicted of misdemeanors …” De La Cruz had one misdemeanor plea bargain, not plural convictions. De La Cruz had no functioning kidney at the time, being on dialysis daily. He accepted the plea bargain on medical advice, against his lawyers’ advice. That plea bargain agreement was expunged after a year. Thus, De La Cruz has no criminal record.
So much for honesty and integrity. We will do well to keep De La Cruz as Supervisor, District 5.
Marvin L. Jones
Hollister
Peace Vigil: Volunteers of the Year
Recently the Adopt-A-Highway volunteers at Hollister Peace Vigil received the selections as Volunteers of the Year 2007 from the California Department of Transportation. The group received the honor at a lunch in Monterey at the Caltrans office.
In a sense we might be considered a monthly Peace Corps for highway litter. We like to enjoy fresh air, bird serenades, sun warming our backs and peaceful views. We like to recycle. We like to give directions to drivers. Exercise helps relieve the frustration we feel with our culture of violence. This seems to be a peaceful way to dedicate ourselves to peace.
Mary Zanger
Hollister
Community supports SBHS Sober Grad Night
I would like to thank everyone who made our barbecue fundraiser and carwash a success. Thanks to Johnny’s owner Charisse Tyson, Gina Arballo and staff for hosting and donating beans, salad, and supplies for our barbecue fundraiser. Thanks to an anonymous patron who stepped forward to donate the chicken and to Kelly’s Gift Place for wrapping the prizes for the raffle. This fundraiser raised $1,588.
Next was our Carwash at Sunnyslope Medical Center. I would like to thank Ken and Elaine Kovanda for providing the center and supplies for the carwash and the seniors who came out to wash the cars. This fundraiser raised $846. Thanks to The Pinnacle for advertising our events. I would like to thank Sober Grad Night committee members CHP Officer Chris Armstrong, Karen Anderson-Caltabiano, Patty Gere, Israel Gonzalez, Marva Miller, Debbie Pivetti, Oscar and Elsa Ramirez, Ken and Sonja Romero, and Brian and Kim Taylor for helping with these fundraisers.
Since running the letter to the editor, SGN has received food, raffle, service and monetary donations from Donna at Attitudes & Images, Robert William Bianchi, Cutz & Colorz, Denise’s Hand Poured Candles, Richard Gallagher DDS, Janet George, Metropolis, Jerry’s Restaurant, Juanita Marcus, Clarence & Marilyn McDonald, Player’s Edge, Thomas Slatten, and Thunder Road.
I would like to thank the whole community for stepping forward in helping us make Sober Grad Night of 2008 a success. If you would like to make a monetary donation, make checks payable to SBHS Sober Grad Night and mail to 141 Holliday Dr., Hollister, if making raffle donations please call Hydie McDonald at 902-8608. We are still in need of volunteers for the evening; if you can volunteer, please call Elsa Ramirez at 801-6276.
Thank you for your support.
Hydie McDonald
SBHS Sober Grad Night
Thanks for helping Diana
On March 13 a group of caring individuals put on a benefit pasta dinner for Diana Magana, a Spring Grove School 7th grader suffering from Osteosarcoma. Our efforts were a huge success! We asked this amazing community to open their hearts and give what they could to contribute to this event. We could not have done this without all of you who so generously and lovingly gave of your time and resources.
Thank you to all of you who purchased tickets to the event. Thank you to all of you who sent in monetary donations. Thank you to all of that donated desserts for sales and auction. Thank you to the following businesses, people, and organizations for your donations: Running Rooster – Jim and Brenda, Jim Gibson – Windmill Market, Country Market Greg Hegg – Showtime Entertainment, Costco, Dunneville, Nob Hill, San Benito County Sheriff’s Department, Damm Water, Safeway, Marich, San Benito Bank
Discount Cigarettes, Ding-a-Ling Cafe, McFadden Tax, Dollar Tree, 99 Cent Store, Save Mart, Cheap Seats, the Perry Family, the Nelson Family, the Rossi Family, Target, Communications Unlimited.
A BIG thank you to everyone who contributed in any way!
Julie Neff
Dinner For Diana Committee
