Sheriff warns supervisors of ‘dismal staffing’
Sheriff Darren Thompson spoke candidly to supervisors Tuesday about a severe staffing shortage in his department and warned officials about the dangers of having two deputies on patrol at any given time.
Middle school students take on shelter-building adventure
Tucked against the trunk of a substantial redwood tree, naturally camouflaged and constructed from tree branches, bits of bark, leaves, tree needles—the same forest “litter” that covers the surrounding area—a small hobbit-sized shelter is visible. This snug enclosure is just large enough for one, or maybe two, of the middle school students who constructed it, and is one of several forest shelters recently built by Mount Madonna School (MMS) sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
Citizens provide valuable help to scientists
Last month's column summarized the results of Audubon's seven-year study on the effect of climate change and habitat loss on birds. The report was written by well-known scientists, but these highly regarded scientists could not have compiled all the data on bird locations and movements by themselves—such a task would be overwhelming. Where did Audubon's scientists get the data needed to complete this study?
County extends tree-cutting ban by 10 months, 15 days
County supervisors Tuesday agreed to extend a moratorium against cutting mature trees here for another 10 months and 15 days, but they instructed staff officials to prepare a permanent tree ordinance with a goal of approval within six months.
Aromas-San Juan trustee resigns for ‘personal reasons’
Trustee Jose Flores of the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District board has resigned for “personal reasons,” Superintendent Ruben Zepeda confirmed.
Alejo proposes to ban ‘Redskins’ as school mascot in Calif.
Assemblyman Luis Alejo has proposed a bill aiming to ban the use of "Redskins" as a mascot in California public schools.
Hollister water official sounds alarm on excess chromium
A water official Monday warned Hollister council members that a new state regulation regarding an element called hexavalent chromium could require costly upgrades.
Valdivia says goodbye after 16 years on council
Pauline Valdivia said goodbye Monday after 16 years on the Hollister council.
Veterans commander frustrated by skateboarding at memorial
The commander of the local American Legion post Monday told Hollister council members he is beating his "head against the wall" over skateboarders riding on the off-limits Veterans Memorial Building property.
