The following people, organizations and events deserve either a
Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week.
The following people, organizations and events deserve either a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week.
For local firefighters who dug deep in their pockets after learning thieves stole $1,000 worth of prizes intended for children at the annual Kids in the Park event. First they opened their own wallets and fished out a few bucks to buy some gifts, and just a few minutes later decided to use $1,000 of their union funds to rescue the fun and educational event for local kids. Talk about going above and beyond the call of duty.
For local lawmaker Simon Salinas who successfully passed his bill forcing sexually violent predators to be released back into the county where they last lived. It will put a stop to the practice of courts shuffling predators to rural communities like ours, and keeps them where local law enforcement and the community at large are well aware of their crimes. Although the bill doesn’t affect anyone in San Benito County, it ensures none of these potentially dangerous people will be calling our area home any time soon.
For all the people who decide to run for Hollister City Council and the numerous seats in San Benito County’s various school districts. Seven people are set to run for three seats on the council, and a whopping 29 people are entering the races for 24 school board seats throughout the county. There are a slew of important issues facing the community, so we are glad to see so many people are willing to enter the fray. We look forward to a passionate discussion of the issues and hope strong leaders emerge.
For the push by members of the De La Cruz camp to get lawyer fees in the District 5 election civil case, which was dropped by Marian Cruz Thursday. Cruz filed the lawsuit seeking to overturn the results of the March supervisorial election, which her husband Supervisor Bob Cruz lost to Jaime De La Cruz by 10 votes. But, deciding that there was not enough evidence to change the outcome of the race, Marian Cruz dropped the suit. Still, lawyer Mike Pekin and Jaime De La Cruz’s campaign adviser Ignacio Velazquez have pushed – so far unsuccessfully – for attorney’s fees saying the lawsuit was filed frivolously. They should be satisfied with their victory and let the matter drop with some grace.
For the free watermelon, classic cars and rockin’ entertainment set for this weekend’s 18th Annual Hollister Street Festival. More than 10,000 people are expected to show up for the frivolity Saturday. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., downtown will be dedicated to vendors, music and kiddy rides. Most of the booths will be run by local nonprofit organizations, so proceeds will be plowed back into the community. Come and join the fun.
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