Here we are again. Thanksgiving has come and gone, but we at the
Free Lance are still busy counting our blessings.
Here we are again. Thanksgiving has come and gone, but we at the Free Lance are still busy counting our blessings.
But what do local residents have to be thankful for amid skyrocketing sewer rates, multi-million dollar deficits and a host of service cuts on the horizon? Well, assuaged with a stomach full of turkey and spirits, we came up with the following Eight reasons to be thankful.
8). San Benito County Wines. Although the recent grape harvest paled in terms of volume to last year’s, local vintners have said the grape quality is top-notch. And although we won’t be drinking 2006 vintages for a while, many are already gratefully anticipating their release.
7). The Rally. Plans for the 2007 invasion are moving along swiftly, and with careful planning, this historically and economically important tradition has a chance for success next year.
6). Spinach. After the massive E. coli outbreak this summer, spinach is back on grocery store shelves. And although San Benito County was hit hard when the outbreak was linked to San Juan Bautista-based company Natural Selection Foods, job layoffs were minimal and recent reports show the county’s job market is back on track with the lowest unemployment rate in recent years.
5). Candice Hooper. District Attorney-elect Candice Hooper will take office Jan. 8 after being voted into office by a wide margin in June. Hooper promised voters honesty and integrity in the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office and we expect her to deliver. A career prosecutor, Hooper has the record and experience to restore public trust in this important office.
4). Parks and Recreation Commission. Recent efforts by the San Benito County Board of Supervisors to establish a Parks and Recreation Commission are expected to pay off. The commission will plan for the development and improvement of some of the county’s greatest assets, our beautiful parks.
3). Hollister’s Sewer. This is a tough one to be thankful for, especially given the $120 million price tag that will ensure skyrocketing sewer rates for the next five years. But the project needed to be done, so said the state. Hollister needs room to grow.
2). ‘Baler Football, Volleyball. This long-standing tradition brings out the best in our community. Those wondering why this would make our list need only attend a game. We’d also like to offer gratitude to the girls volleyball team for bringing home a Central Coast Section title.
1). Marley Holte’s Legacy. Earlier this month, our community witnessed a miracle. A long-standing tradition of feeding the community on Thanksgiving and Christmas was in jeopardy. The group that decided to carry on Holte’s legacy, the Marley Holte Memorial Dinners, didn’t have any turkey. But after the problem was publicized, the community came together and made sure the tradition would survive.
