The following people, organizations and events deserve either a
Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week.
The following people, organizations and events deserve either a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week.
THUMBS DOWN: For the underwhelming end to the District 5 election fiasco. After 10 months of waiting, 10 months of harsh politics and 10 months of wondering whether the election was going to be overturned, Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge that had nothing to do with election fraud. The plea bargain seems reasonable and just, but what is dismaying is that it took so much time and energy to reach a conclusion. And, the furor and turmoil created by the scandal after De La Cruz beat Supervisor Bob Cruz by 0 votes – complete with dark accusations of a stolen local election – was hardly worth the final outcome. The conclusion didn’t give credence to all the drama.
THUMBS UP: For Supervisor Don Marcus, who has placed the Hillside Ordinance on the county agenda this Tuesday for further comment. The lame duck board that left office at the end of the year passed the ordinance, which restricts the design, size and development on the county’s hillsides, as one of its final acts despite strong opposition from residents and the county planning commission. The county should do a comprehensive update of its General Plan, with ample input from residents, to create a comprehensive vision for growth rather than make politically expedient piecemeal changes.
THUMBS UP: For mailman Ed Smith who was dropping off letters at the courthouse on Wednesday and wound up aiding the justice system. An accused criminal who couldn’t handle having to go to jail ran from the courtroom and burst through the doors only to run smack into Smith. Smith grabbed him, while making sure to protect the mail, and latter graced Free Lance readers with one of the more amusing quotes in recent months. “After that, I proceeded with my duties. Nor rain, sleet or any escaped convict will stop the mail.”
THUMBS UP: For the City Council, which approved $613,00 to build Southeast Park in the Valley View subdivision. The residents of the area have been waiting for a park for more than 10 years and they have even helped raise money to make it happen. By this summer, kids in the neighborhood will have a place to frolic out of doors.
THUMBS DOWN: For yet another delay in the Don Pacheco Y flyover. This time, it’s because the governor is using transportation funds to help plug holes in the state budget. But that’s just the latest excuse for delaying the project. Anyone who has sat in the 13-mile traffic jam that builds up on 152 during a get-away Friday or who has seen one of the many wrecks at the dangerous intersection knows how crucial this project is. It’s incredibly frustrating to see that it’s not a priority for our state and federal politicians.
