The following events, organizations and people deserve either a
Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week:
THUMBS UP: To Bike Week participants young and old. Getting exercise and conserving fossil fuels is always something to celebrate. Our cheers are hereby extended to all those who participated in and helped organize Bike Week. This event helps teach our youth that Mom’s sport utility vehicle isn’t the only mode of transportation available. Furthermore, it is a positive way for the San Benito County Council of Governments to promote alternative methods of transportation.
THUMBS UP: To the return of the Farmers’ Market. This is a valuable asset to our community. Shopping at the Farmers’ Market provides locals with an opportunity to purchase fresh produce, support local farmers and stimulate Hollister’s economy. It also draws shoppers to the historic downtown Hollister area. The Free Lance has long encouraged locals to take advantage of this important opportunity. If we don’t support the Farmers’ Market, it will disappear.
THUMBS UP: To Matthew Brill. This 9-year-old Hollister boy might not have earned a merit badge this week, but he definitely deserves a hearty “thumbs up.” While on his way to a Cub Scout meeting, Matthew spotted a dog trapped in a storm drain and helped make sure the canine, Bosco, was returned to its owner. This type of action and alertness in our youth should not go unnoticed.
THUMBS DOWN: To whatever lead to the death of California condor No. 417 – the first of the Pinnacles flock to perish. We are saddened by the loss of this majestic creature and our support goes out to all of those who have made the Pinnacles National Monument’s condor release program a success. We hope the cause of the bird’s death can be determined quickly and prevented in the future. The hard-working Pinnacles staff should be commended.
THUMBS UP: To Domingo Quistian, Chenoa Summers and all of those who help make the Fresh Lifelines for Youth classes at Santa Ana Opportunity School a success. These programs engage our local students in activities that are fun and exciting and positive. Such activities show students that the world is full of possibilities and that there are alternatives to joining gangs.
