As a decedent of the Arthur and Schuyler Hain family, I was fortunate to be part of the historic event when Pinnacles National Monument became Pinnacles National Park.
Dear Editor:
As a decedent of the Arthur and Schuyler Hain family, I was fortunate to be part of the historic event when Pinnacles National Monument became Pinnacles National Park. The dedication was held with many elected officials in attendance. San Benito and Monterey Counties both had representatives. All speakers expressed the importance of the Pinnacles National Monument becoming Pinnacles National Park. The recognition of the monument becoming a national park would have pleased the pioneer families who were instrumental in preserving the Pinnacles.
The dedication ceremony at the new park drew several hundred people. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Senator Sam Farr, National parks representatives Karen Dorn and Denise Louie, Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez, majors from King City and Soledad and some of San Benito County’s supervisors were present. A very well organized program was put together and was very interesting.
My concern for the historic celebration was the lack of publicity by San Benito County in general. I know we unfortunately have a one day a week newspaper; however, signs could have been put up, KSBW Channel 8 News has a community service calendar, and fliers could have been put in various businesses. The San Jose Mercury newspaper has been covering the announcement of the monument becoming a park. There were several avenues the county could have used to promote the dedication. Telephone calls to individuals and organizations to be involved.
I spoke to my district supervisor Jerry Muenzer at the ceremony and expressed my concern and Supervisor Muenzer replied the city and county had been talking about some publicity. I would hope the future will bring some action with all the discussions. San Benito County has an opportunity to grow revenue with businesses and activities that go along with a national park.
San Benito County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Velazquez and other community leaders, now is the time to work together to put Hollister and San Benito County on the map for another county treasure, including the earthquakes and the biker rally. Secretary of Interior Salazar stated how the National Park will generate jobs and revenues for the county. This will happen once the news is out to include community.
In watching the news Monday evening, it appears Soledad already has a large sign in the works for a “gateway” to the park. Hollister should have had the same presentation as Soledad did for the dignitaries. San Benito County should have the privilege and benefit of “east gateway” to Soledad’s “west gateway.”
Update as of Thursday 14 February, 2013, the evening news reports Soledad as the “gateway” for the Pinnacles National Park. Soledad has never been the gateway to the Pinnacles that I know of. They might be the “back door” to San Benito County’s “front door” but not the “gateway.” How can San Benito County and Hollister leaders let Soledad win the prize for this accomplishment? I’m sure it was San Benito County’s forefathers who were implemental in getting the Pinnacles established as a national monument, not Monterey County’s. Monterey County might have Highway 101 on their side, but we have Highway 25 and a beautiful scenic route with camping, grocery store AND a swimming pool. We have a well-known camping area halfway to the Pinnacles (Thousand Trails) as well as Bolado Park which offers camping to the public. Do none of our county leaders have ancestry ties to the history of this county or care that we continue to be the main portal to this National Park? I believe there is a lot to gain by San Benito County blowing our own horn and reaping the benefits of having a NATIONAL PARK IN OUR COUNTY.
Hopefully local politicos will get the idea San Benito County needs to do something, because in a few months the newness will wear off, we will have done nothing and Soledad will be the gateway.
San Benito County pioneer families worked many years to have the Monument recognized and we should be honoring their dedicated efforts from so many years ago.
Janie Lausten, Tres Pinos
