Thank God for some return to normalcy amongst local politics! I
am, of course, referring to the District Attorney dropping felony
charges against Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz, who I supported. Some
may take offense that I brought the Almighty into context of local
politics, but then after nearly a year of controversy and political
railroading, the deal between Sarsfield and De La Cruz seems to me
like some form of divine intervention. More about God and the DMV
later in this column.
Thank God for some return to normalcy amongst local politics! I am, of course, referring to the District Attorney dropping felony charges against Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz, who I supported. Some may take offense that I brought the Almighty into context of local politics, but then after nearly a year of controversy and political railroading, the deal between Sarsfield and De La Cruz seems to me like some form of divine intervention. More about God and the DMV later in this column.
Speaking of railroading, there seems to be some opportunity in the future for improvements in transportation as DMB Inc., a successful master-planned community development corporation, has plans for San Benito County. The company has acquired the right-of-way of the Hollister railroad line which passes through the acreage they purchased for future development east of the Santa Clara County line.
Folks, this is a prime opportunity for the community to partner with a world-class development company to envision and construct a master-planned community that offers mutually beneficial attributes. Especially worth discussing are partnerships to improve key infrastructure including Highway 25, water, wastewater and recycled water systems. The key is to maintain an open mind and support your representatives while they study future possibilities.
I’m not a food critic but I know a good restaurant when I see one. Recently, my wife and I met friends for an excellent dinner at The Cedar House restaurant on Highway 156. You probably remember the place that used to be The Sugar Plum restaurant for years. Dinner included: antipasto, soup and salad served with the entree. The Cedar House serves Harris Ranch beef, local wines and world-class desert. I had the fettuccine with Gulf shrimp, which was excellent and reasonably priced at $14. Also served at our table was a massive prime rib steak and a rather petite New York steak.
The men abstained from the wine, but the ladies enjoyed a bottle of Pietra Santa Pinot Grigio, a superb white wine. I was too full to finish my meal or partake in dessert. Again, the svelte and diminutive gender came to the rescue by ordering truffles (to die for) served with an aperitif of Port. The new owners of The Cedar House Restaurant went to considerable expense to remodel the interior to achieve a dazzling and luxurious effect. That, coupled with good food that is reasonably priced and excellent companionship, made for a fine dining experience. Add The Cedar House Restaurant to your list of fine dining establishments in San Benito County.
Recently, someone I know took driving lessons from a local driving school. The driving instructor had a dual agenda: teach six hours of driving instruction while trying to convert the student to a particular religion. The student failed the actual driving exam administered by the DMV because the school failed to teach the proper driving technique required to safely put the car in reverse and back up. The DMV is aware that the driving school employs religious zealots that are more interested in turning to God than turning safely on our streets and highways.
I have no problem with people of faith who practice what they preach and preach through tacit examples of grace and humility. But when it comes to doing business and offering a service that is critical to public safety, religion must take a back seat … and keep quiet.
Coming soon, a progress report on the local YMCA and its plans for the future in the county. Slowly but surely, San Benito County is awakening to the needs of its youth and seniors through financial support of local programs administered by philanthropic outreach groups like the Community Foundation.
