Counties are on the same road
In response to an article in the Pinnacle dated Aug. 1
highlighting the prospect of a toll road on State Route 152, the
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) would like to
articulate the good working partnership with the San Benito Council
of Governments and the commitment both agencies have made in
exploring options to relieve congestion for commuters and our south
county neighbors.
Commuters will benefit from the new Hwy. 152/156 interchange
opening on Aug. 28. This much needed safety project will deliver an
eastbound Hwy. 152 flyover ramp, eliminating the left turn stop
sign for westbound 152 to westbound 156 travelers. Eastbound 152
commuters will no longer have to stop on a high-speed highway to
allow motorists to make the dangerous left turn which has created
safety hazards and major backups over the years. This was made
possible by the successful partnerships between VTA, Caltrans, and
San Benito COG.
As far as the Hwy. 152 alignment, a technical working group was
formed by the two agencies and project coordination meetings are
under way to study the alignment and to identify viable funding
solutions for future construction projects. As the article
explains, toll roads could be one of those solutions with the
passing of AB 3021.
What the article does not explain, is that VTA has recently
submitted a grant application to secure funding to move forward
with an environmental assessment for the new alignment as well as
an economic assessment for a new truck corridor between U.S. 101
and Hwy. 99
– projects that will not
”
push traffic from one county into the next
”
but will relieve congestion in both counties by managing future
traffic demands.
AB 3021 would be another
”
revenue quill
”
in an authority’s cap to help fund congestion relief and safety
projects needed in this corridor.
Michael T. Burns
VTA General Manager
Counties are on the same road
In response to an article in the Pinnacle dated Aug. 1 highlighting the prospect of a toll road on State Route 152, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) would like to articulate the good working partnership with the San Benito Council of Governments and the commitment both agencies have made in exploring options to relieve congestion for commuters and our south county neighbors.
Commuters will benefit from the new Hwy. 152/156 interchange opening on Aug. 28. This much needed safety project will deliver an eastbound Hwy. 152 flyover ramp, eliminating the left turn stop sign for westbound 152 to westbound 156 travelers. Eastbound 152 commuters will no longer have to stop on a high-speed highway to allow motorists to make the dangerous left turn which has created safety hazards and major backups over the years. This was made possible by the successful partnerships between VTA, Caltrans, and San Benito COG.
As far as the Hwy. 152 alignment, a technical working group was formed by the two agencies and project coordination meetings are under way to study the alignment and to identify viable funding solutions for future construction projects. As the article explains, toll roads could be one of those solutions with the passing of AB 3021.
What the article does not explain, is that VTA has recently submitted a grant application to secure funding to move forward with an environmental assessment for the new alignment as well as an economic assessment for a new truck corridor between U.S. 101 and Hwy. 99 – projects that will not “push traffic from one county into the next” but will relieve congestion in both counties by managing future traffic demands.
AB 3021 would be another “revenue quill” in an authority’s cap to help fund congestion relief and safety projects needed in this corridor.
Michael T. Burns
VTA General Manager
This neighbor objects
I am writing about Tentative Subdivision Map No. 06-74 and Zone Change No. 07-153, the Guerra Nut Shelling subdivision at 500 John Smith Road. According to the public notice, this subdivision would result in an effective parcel size of less than five acres. This area is zoned five acres, and I strongly oppose any change in the five-acre zoning until the general plan is revised to permit a higher density zoning in this area.
Robert Gilchrist Huenemann
Hollister
Shame on Obama
Barack Obama said the Russians were wrong for invading Georgia. Good for him. Then he implied Russia was following the example of the United States. Shame on him.
What kind of convoluted thought process equates the invasion and OCCUPATION of Georgia with the invasion and LIBERATION of Iraq? There is no moral equivalence.
If this is an example of the type of change we will get with Barack Obama, we need no part of it. We certainly do not need his tax increases.
Marvin L. Jones
Hollister
Restore balance in November
Our House of Representatives brings a ray of hope for America’s wrong direction. Chairmen Henry Waxman and Jerrold Nadler are reasserting the constitutional authority, which was abandoned by Congress under Republican control. It is time for Congress to return to the Constitution and get rid of the ” War Powers Act,” never to pass another! Congress has the power ” to regulate commerce with foreign nations,” “raise and support armies,” “provide for the common defense” and “declare war.” “The president shall be commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.” As such he will carry out the will of Congress. Eight years have shown us the danger of turning our back on the Constitution. November will bring the opportunity to help Congress get back on track.
Frank Crosby
Morgan Hill
Thanks to all for Street Fest
The 22nd annual Street Festival held in downtown Hollister on Aug. 9 was a tremendous success. On behalf of the board of directors of the Hollister Downtown Association, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the many volunteers who helped make the event possible.
These volunteers are: Lauren Boyd, Ashley Hicks, Miranda Weatherly, Taylor Weatherly, Ken Weatherly, Dennis Espindola, Denise Cauthen-Wright, Dan Wright,
Aaron Smith, Brian Smith, Richard Steele, Brian Marsmaker, Steve Wentz, Tina Magallenez, Juli Vieira, Leticia Suarez, Dotty Cauthen, Vivian Romero, Marissa Brennan, Janice Arnold, Ingrid Leitenberger, Frank Van Rooy, Sherry Taylor, Sheron Johnson, Jocelyn Scantlin, Chris Muniz, Gary Taylor, John Battaglia, Mary Battaglia, Diane Gibbs, John Gibbs, Dean Nichols, Laurie Nichols, Kelli Blanchard, Zach Blanchard, Maria Hansen, Marilyn Hill, Amanda Hill, Chantel Hill, Mike Walters, Janice Hemingway and Val Westerdale.
Many thanks also to the Street Festival Committee: Liz Smith, Elaine Kovanda, Colleen Spinetti, Larry Otis, Dennis Osorio, Jessica Smiley, Sharlene Van Rooy and Geri Johnson and to the following people, businesses and organizations for their sponsorship and/or donation for this event: Nor Cal Waste Systems, San Benito Bank, YMCA, Bolado Park, Gerry Weatherly, Barbara Scott, Righetti Liquors, McKinnon Lumber, Enterprise Electric, Swank Farms, Pinnacle Farms, City of Hollister, Kelly’s Gift Place, Road Angels, Autoworks, The Broken Wing, Horse Power Promotions, San Benito County Jail, Starz Salon, She’s, Rabobank, Michelle’s Studio, Penny Wise Drug, Drapoel, Teezerz, The Elegant Touch, Muenzer’s Sporting Goods, Presidential Protective Services, Maddux Jewelers, San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, French’s Kitchen & Bath, Paine’s Restaurant, DMB El Rancho San Benito, Las Palmas Restaurant, The Fireplace Depot, Timber & Textiles, Free Lance, The Pinnacle, Serene Home, Beauty Secrets, AgCo Hay, RGN Productions, Soul Kiss, The Hound Dogs.
Brenda Weatherly,
executive director
Hollister Downtown Association
Birthday wishes and Olympic dreams
My wife and I July took a ride to Los Banos to a health care center where we had the honor and privilege to attend Monsignor Thomas Morgan’s 99th birthday party. We have attended his birthdays for the last three years. Father Morgan served our parish, Immaculate Conception, for 13 years. He has been around for a good 20 years in the area where he has made many friends. A great spirit leader!
When he couldn’t take care of himself he went and settled in Los Banos at this great care center run by the Catholic Church where he is living very happily. At 99 I have never seen him so sharp with remarkable intelligence by remembering almost everyone he has been in touch with. At this event he had around 70 guests that he shared with singing and cracking jokes. Full of the Holy Spirit, strong voice. I have no doubt he will live well into his hundreds. He served his flock well with love.
He is loved by anyone who got to know him. People of Hollister, I would like to tell you Monsignor Morgan is well taken care of.
He is a happy man. We have much to thank him for during the years he guided us in following Christ. He has been a role model for humanity. We love you, Thomas Morgan! You completed many records through your career that you deserve. I compre you with the great champions in the Olympics, each at their own place.
I spent time this year watching the Olympics and I would like to give credit to everyone who participated. It’s not without sacrifice that you are to complete your goals. Not only the gold medallists, but anyone who participates. It is unbelievable what all these people are going through to make our country look so good, and that goes to Monsignor Morgan for what he has done for all the people of his church and for all. God bless you and that the Holy Ghost continues at your side. You are a gold medal winner with what you have accomplished. Happy 99th.
Amadeu Lima
Hollister
We prefer to ignore the horror
I guess Marty Richman prefers to ignore the fact that war is hell and that nuclear war is doomsday. He prefers not to realize that our country alone has enough nuclear bombs to kill each man, woman and child on this planet 10 times. This obscene weaponry appears to the world as pure barbarism.
These missiles are not stored in warehouses but are on hair-trigger alert. True, it seems, we turn a blind eye because the alternative is unbearable. Being the conservative that he appears to be, I suppose Mr. Richman prefers not to even think about the cost to taxpayers.
The real lesson for remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki is the legacy of fear that we continue in the world today. Why doesn’t this country eliminate its arsenal and live up to its treaties?
Mary Zanger
Hollister
