Editorials

Thumbs up: For Robert Rivas, a 24-year-old political go-getter from Hollister, and his friends who formed the Young Democrats of San Benito County Club. Rivas has a refreshingly positive perspective on the power of politics to make a difference, and he aims to spread the message. A key goal of the group will be to get young people to vote. Rivas says only 20 percent of youth do so, and he wants to turn that around.

It's been months since the city started talking about creating a Fire Task Force to examine ways to save money in the city budget and increase protection for residents.

With the firing of Executive Director Bob Beals, it seems that

Campaign season is upon us, and there are a slew of seats open for community-minded people who want to make a difference in San Benito County. And, it is a key moment in time where strong leadership can make a valuable contribution.

San Benito Foods recently put the lid on the clamorous cannery, which used to rattle neighborhood windows for about three months a year while they made everything from canned tomatoes to concentrate in Hollister.

The following people, events and organizations deserved either a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week

Ensuring affordable housing for low-income families and workers

This Fourth of July, Hollister was ablaze with illegal

Leaders in the California Legislature would do well to remember

Thumbs Up: For the Hollister Police Department and other agencies who pitched in for security at the 8th Annual Independence Rally. There were arrests and DUIs, but the crowded rally – many are saying it was as big as they've ever seen – never got out of control. Police Chief Jeff Miller deserves a hand for planning enforcement that made sure the wild ones never got too wild. An especially good move was a gang crackdown beginning the Wednesday before the rally kicked off and lasting through the weekend. Police nabbed 25 people during gang sweeps. We're sure that contributed to a smooth event.