Dear Editor,
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God
indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Robert Anthony Barraza was raised believing this pledge. He
would comment on how pleased he was that his elementary school had
included learning the pledge and he felt that all children should
learn it.
Family remembers Barraza one year later
Dear Editor,
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Robert Anthony Barraza was raised believing this pledge. He would comment on how pleased he was that his elementary school had included learning the pledge and he felt that all children should learn it. He was a very loving and caring young man. He was proud that his grandparents did their part for his country by working in the election polls and serving on the jury. He was looking forward to being able to vote for the new president of our country. Robert Anthony had a wonderful music and rhythm ability. He was a precocious child. At 3 years old he learned traditional Mexican folkloric dancing and he gave an excellent performance to his then future Alma Mater, San Benito HIgh School, on May 5,1988.
Robert Anthony’s parents and sister and grandparents were extremely proud of him on Graduation Day on 11, 2004 from San Benito HIgh School. Because Hollister has been our home since before Robert Anthony was born, he and his grandparents Robert and Rose Barraza decided to give back to our community a fun and safe activity for young people and adults by opening a County Western dance and lessons establishment. Robert Anthony received many awards and acclaims for his exceptional Country Western dancing.
Robert Anthony’s chosen career was to be an operating engineer like his grandfather Robert P. Barraza who built many streets and building sites here in Hollister and Robert Anthony was looking forward to doing the same. He respected and was respected and very well liked by his coworkers and many friends. Robert Anthony loved and was very loved by his sister Desiree and his parents Robert and Rachel Barraza.
On October 14,2007, Hollister lost a prestigious, wonderful young man. But his spirit lives on in the times he laughed or went fishing with his dad or just barbecued and listened to his favorite Country Western songs in the memories of those whose lives he touched. And in being so remembered his legacy will live on. Greatness no matter how brief, stays with a man.
The Barraza Family, Hollister
Mayor supports Perry for water district
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter in support of Ken Perry’s candidacy for District 2 director of the San Benito County Water District. While relations between the City of Hollister and the San Benito Water District were rocky in the in the early 2000s, the two agencies now work together in a collaborative and trusting manner. Ken Perry’s work was critical in building that relationship. Some examples of Ken Perry’s leadership include:
-Negotiating a new water contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, giving the Water District a stable rate structure for future capital repayment.
-Being a member of the Water Supply Committee that worked to bring the Water District an additional 1,500 acre feet of water this year.
-Has been, and is, a key member of the governance committee that helped complete the Hollister Urban Area Water and Wastewater Master Plan, which will help ensure a long-term, high quality, reliable water supply for the area.
-Worked with the water district staff to develop banking agreements allowing the district to store water in wet years for return to the district in dry years.
-Playing a key role in representing the water district as a supporting agency in the City of Hollister’s successful effort to secure a certified environmental impact report for the city’s domestic wastewater treatment plant bringing the six year moratorium to an end.
We are now at a critical juncture in planning the future for our water/wastewater needs. It is also critical that we have consistency in this planning process. Ken Perry has played, and will continue to play, a key role in this process. Please join me in re-electing Ken Perry for the San Benito County Water Board.
Doug Emerson, Hollister mayor
Support Proposition 8
Dear friends and neighbors, I am writing you to ask you to support Proposition 8 in this up coming election.
As you know the California justices, in a split decision, overturned the voter approved Proposition 22 that stated that Marriage in California was to be between a man and a woman by a decision of 4-3 this year.
Proposition 8 returns to California’s that “Marriage” is between a man and a woman and nothing else despite what the media says.
It was put on the ballot by folks like yourself that believe this special union of marriage is an important institution vital to the strength of our society and needs to be protected.
We urge you to stand up and be counted in supporting the traditional family this year as you go to the polls to vote for the candidate of your choice.
Support the counsels of both local and national churches and those leaders who are trying to make sure that moms and dads still have a place in this society.
John and Kathy Hanson, San Juan Bautista
