The following event, organizations and individuals deserved either a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week.
Thumbs up: For the 8th annual Hollister Independence Rally. And a Thumbs Up for the Hollister independence Rally Committee, police and the City Council for finding a way to ensure the show went on this year. As the city debated whether to renew the rally’s contract this year, there was the possibility that the rally – something that lines local businesses’ pockets and puts our fair city on the map – would go away. But the right decision was made and a deal was hammered out. Everyone found a solution so the bikers and the pageantry and payola they bring with them can still ride to the Birthplace of the American Biker.
Thumbs down: For the thieves that shattered a door to a Little League storage shed last week and stole more than a thousand dollars worth of equipment including chest guards, shin guards and 240 baseballs. What a selfish and stupid act that harms the hundreds of kids in Hollister Little League.
Thumbs up: For the people who stepped up to the plate and donated money for Little League after reading the story on Monday. So far, concerned and caring residents have donated more than $2,400 to the organization, and the money keeps coming. That’s an amazing show of support for our kids. Way to go.
Thumbs down: For Perverted Justice and the way it handled exposing an alleged pedophile in Hollister. Rather than approach the police with information they collected about the local man while volunteers posed as a 13-year-old girl during online chats, volunteers from the Web site sent out at least two flyers into the community where he lives. Had the group followed normal avenues of our justice system, there would be a chance to remove a potentially dangerous person from our society. At best, if the charges are true, the person will disappear into another town where he can pursue his endeavors again away from cyber-world. At worst, Perverted Justice has ruined someone’s life. Either way the justice they delivered truly is perverted.
Thumbs up: For the San Benito County Sheriff Department which started a vacation watch program for residents leaving their homes in Hollister. Now you can call the sheriff’s office and they’ll keep an eye on your hacienda. The program is community policing at its best, and a good opportunity to let locals rest easy while they’re away knowing San Benito’s finest is watching their home. Best of all, the program is free. Call 636-4080 to learn more about the program.
Thumbs up: For the moving wall, a replica of the Vietnam Memorial, and its visit to Hollister for the holiday weekend. The fallen soldiers of Vietnam made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country in the controversial war. Their contribution should never be forgotten, and with programs like the moving wall it never will be.
Thumbs down: For the Federal Aviation Administration and its mandate to make all rents at the airport the current market rate. The City Council still must decide on the issue but it may be forced to raise the rent of the Community Pantry. The nonprofit, which provides food for needy families in the area, could see its rent raised to $9,000 a month. According to the director of the pantry, it provides $1.2 million worth of service in our area. People need food more than the airport needs the rent. This is an outrage. Hopefully our city commissioners can win the fight to keep the Community Pantry rent free.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to ed****@fr***********.com
