Thumbs up: For the Hollister Police officers and their use of restraint during a standoff at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Tuesday. A 21-year-old man confronted his mother at the hospital, brandished a knife blade and advanced toward police officers while he tried to escape. The police subdued the man with non-lethal bean bags instead of bullets. Cool heads, calm cops, no needless fatalities – job well done.
Thumbs up: For solid police work by the California Highway Patrol and their efforts to track down the driver in a hit-and-run accident that killed a Hollister man walking on McCloskey Road last week. Police now know the vehicle was a silver- or champagne-colored 1994-1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee thanks to evidence found at the scene and a team of officers dedicated to finding the culprits. Let’s hope the clues lead police to the perpetrators. If you have any information you can call the CHP at (408) 848-2324 or 1-866-502-5058.
Thumbs down: For the explosive growth of identity theft in Hollister. With a 100 percent increase in cases from May to June, now more than ever it is important to protect your personal information like your bank statement and social security number. The identity thieves are apparently out there in force, so be careful not to become one of Hollister’s growing statistics. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to shred anything with personal information including credit card numbers, social security numbers, addresses and, especially, pre-approved credit card applications.
Thumbs down: For the budget cuts, injuries and traditionally low staffing that means the Hollister Police Department has about half the number of police recorded by state standards. The state Peace Officer Standards and Training organization recommends departments have 1.5 officers per 1,000 people. Hollister only has .8 officers per 1,000 residents. The detectives have a backlog of nearly 1,000 cases, and police told the City Council this week that they need $300,000 for overtime in the coming fiscal year. Chief Jeff Miller promises if you call 911, someone will come. But police now are responding to crime after the fact and can’t focus on crime prevention. It’s time for the City Council to put this matter on the agenda and start thinking of some solutions.
Thumbs up: For Anzar High School graduates and staff members. Each of this year’s 47 graduating seniors will attend college next year. The senior class met every Monday of the school year and were told about schools, scholarships and majors. Teachers went the extra mile to help their students study after school. And the students gave each other positive reinforcement, encouraging each other to aim high. Through hard work and support from their friends and teachers, these graduates have achieved something remarkable.
Thumbs up: For all the recent graduates whether it be middle school, high school or college. Education is the key to success in life, and all of these scholars deserve a little more recognition for their hard work and tenacity.
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