The following events, organizations and people deserve either a
Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week
The following events, organizations and people deserve either a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week
THUMBS UP: For the San Benito County Water District, which this week opened the door to discuss with the City of San Juan Bautista the administration of a multi-million federal water grant to repair the Mission City’s dilapidated water and sewer system. Though the city did not immediately say it will meet with the district, we urge the San Juan City Council to do so. The $3.8 million grant from the federal government is suspended and could be lost if the two entities don’t figure out a way to co-administer the money. Though San Juan appears to have some legitimate gripes about handing over control of city operations to the water district, the two factions must employ the fine art of negotiation to strike a deal. This project is too important to the residents of San Juan for our local elected officials to let it go down the toilet.
THUMBS DOWN: For San Benito County Supervisors who continue, despite all reason, to voice objections to the proposed flyover at the Don Pacheco “Y.” It’s unfathomable that these leaders are potentially willing to sacrifice a multi-million safety improvement because they think it might increase traffic into San Benito County. Given San Benito County’s economic woes, supervisors should be welcoming traffic – and figuring out ways to take advantage of it. The intersection of Highway 156 and Highway 152 is an absolute traffic nightmare, not to mention a magnet for a terrible auto accident tragedy. The design makes sense from a traffic and a cost standpoint. Our supervisors should quit quibbling and start advocating for a swift completion to this project.
THUMBS UP: For the plan to build more than 20 soccer fields that would draw people – and their money – from across the nation to a complex northeast of Shore Road and Highway 25. Before we get ahead of ourselves, the San Jose Soccer Complex Foundation has only made an offer on the 170-acre parcel, but we certainly hope it comes to fruition and would like to see local leaders help that happen. It would be a positive addition to our area that would not only give local kids and adults more opportunities for healthy fun, but, as the organization’s president Dave Morton pointed out, would draw people and commerce to San Benito County.
THUMBS DOWN: For the loss of a Hollister landmark, the Good Times Bowl. The local bowling alley has been a Hollister staple providing good family fun for more than 40 years, but it has closed its lanes for good. Despite a plan to keep the alley open when Marty and Mike Greenwood bought it, the new owners say that there just wasn’t enough business to keep the balls rolling. That’s too bad, because now there is one less option for wholesome fun in town.
THUMBS UP: For the return of ‘Balers football on Friday nights. The team began its quest for the Tri-County Athletic League title last night at home against Valley Christian. In Hollister, there’s no time like football time and this year’s team, under the leadership of head coach Chris Cameron and his staff, is looking to go deep into the Central Coast Section playoffs again this season. Go ‘Balers!
