Thumbs down: For the person who poisoned District Attorney John Sarsfield’s dogs. What a tasteless, horrific display of inhumanity. Political attacks are one thing, but to kill his family’s pets is unconscionable and, frankly, scary.
As police noted, the DA is likely to have many enemies because of his job. But he’s also in a political battle, and if this is a result of that, his enemies have gone way too far.
We hope the perpetrator is caught and punished to the full extent of the law. Anyone who has any information should tell the local authorities right away so the entire community, regardless of what you think of the DA’s character and/or job performance, can see justice served.
For Ruth Kesler for withdrawing a resolution to dismiss Anthony Freitas from the planning commission from the supervisors agenda this week. Though the matter smacked of political payback – Freitas beat her in the March primary for a slot on the board – Kesler made the right move to pull the item. Freitas was on a long-planned trip and wouldn’t have been able to speak on his own behalf. He deserves to finish his term as planning commissioner, but if Kesler feels otherwise, Freitas must have the chance to defend himself. But let’s hope the resolution doesn’t rear its head in the future
For the Hollister School District Migrant Education program. Recently, 90 students have been singing, dancing, acting and learning English all at the same time. It’s a federally-funded program that teaches English in a unique way – by placing children in a theater arts class. At the end of the three-week course, the students will perform the Wizard of Oz for their parents. One of the challenges of education is to make difficult subjects interesting, and this creative program does just that.
For Sheriff Curtis Hill saving $300,000 in his budget by getting a handle on deputy overtime. A new policing plan put in place by Hill uses experienced deputies to substitute for higher-ranking and higher-paid officers when they are sick. It also utilizes the department’s paid reserve force to cut back on overtime costs. Protecting the citizens of San Benito County is valuable, saving money while doing it is priceless.
For the Hollister School District for gathering supplies, backpacks and money for homeless school children in the city. Schools need to embrace homeless children. The free, high-quality education provided to every citizen in our country is the best chance they have to escape the chains of homelessness and realize their full potential. HSD is showing these kids they have a home at school regardless of their current living situation.
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