Editorials

Local authorities are right to be skeptical of a new animal rescue organization in the area - due to its lacking communication and the appearance it intends to declare some level of policing authority - but should avoid any contractual arrangements and anything else that might play into its hands down the road.

Advocates pushing for a possible ballot measure asking voter approval on a new community service district to fund parks could succeed if they keep the effort focused, but must resist the temptation to squeeze in other public entities such as the library or fire services.

Neglecting enforcement of illegal vendors in the area is a self-inflicted wound on the county's No. 1 industry, a safety hazard for potential buyers and a liability risk for government entities that ignore the problem.

It is understandable that three Hollister council members who are up for reelection in November have personal matters holding up their commitments, or lack thereof, to run on the ballot.

Self-interests were on full display last week at the San Benito County board meeting, where officials gave priority to politics over public safety.

While leaders can always improve on considerations of ethnicity in  schools, San Benito High School Trustee Raymond Rodriguez took a superfluous leap in contending differing drug-awareness presentations  – one in English, the other in Spanish – were a reflection of  institutional racism.

Are you interested in healthy people and communities in San Benito County? National Public Health Week is an annual opportunity for everyone to take a few days to think about, celebrate and take action to improve the health of all of us. This year National and San Benito County Public Health Week is April 2-9.

The Hollister School District's request for a class-size waiver and  extension of a contract for an optional fiscal adviser - who acts as  a five-figure “final set of eyes” - underscore a cultural acceptance  of fiscal irresponsibility.