I have neighbors who are handicapped and their only way of trying to stay fit is walking on the sidewalks of Hollister. But they are frequently prevented from doing so safely by cars parked on our sidewalks. They tell me that they can neither pass at all, or must risk injury by having to veer into the streets or down a driveway. As a citizen of Hollister, I am very disturbed that so many of my neighbors would violate the law by parking on sidewalks.
What is even more disturbing is that my neighbors tell me that they have reported this chronic problem (including many times addresses and times) to the police department. They do so using an anonymous tip method of reporting because they are frightened of retaliation as they elderly and disabled. As a nurse I applaud my neighbors’ attempts to stay as fit as possible. My neighbors tell me that regardless of how many times they have reported these infractions, they keep recurring, and very frequently (and mostly at the same addresses) which leads them to believe that the police are not ticketing these offenders. Mostly it is in the evenings and on weekends but not limited to those times. I’ve noticed it myself when driving in and out of my neighborhood.
I am hoping that the Free Lance will take an interest in this problem and help the handicapped and elderly citizens of Hollister again have a safe way of keeping fit.
Dale Newman, Hollister
