Guest view: State’s kids have been used and abused
From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state’s six million public school students have been used as pawns in political power struggles and abused by having their educations stunted.
Both mistreatments continue as, finally, in-person classes resume with the new and more virulent “delta”...
Guest view: Landfill is a vital community asset
There has been a lot of talk recently about the John Smith Landfill and the fact that San Benito County accepts garbage from Santa Clara County. As the President of the San Benito County Business Council and a former County Supervisor who was involved...
Guest View: Struggling artists take note—and take to social media
The past year and a half has been extremely hard on everyone, but it has been especially hard on small business owners. And according to Americans for the Arts, the arts were tremendously impacted by the pandemic, with an overall expected financial loss of...
Guest view: Conserve water, all the time
California’s severe drought continues, and mandatory water conservation measures are in place. These climate conditions, along with our limited long-term water supplies, mean it is in our best interest to use water as efficiently as possible. Not just when we’re in drought, but ALWAYS!
On...
Guest View: Watershed thinking and Measure Q
I have been thinking a lot lately about measure Q and the importance of slowing growth, protecting both open space and the environment as well as preserving agriculture in our region. I have had the incredible opportunity, over my lifetime, to spend a considerable...
Guest view: We must do more locally to address Covid-19
While we remain in the midst of this historically devastating pandemic, boldly responding to Covid-19 and keeping our community as safe as possible – while vaccines are rolled out – is by far the most pressing issue for the county to address in 2021.
Guest view: Regional Park is a sign of progress
San Benito County supervisors have tackled many profound challenges in the past year and a half since I joined the board with other first-term colleagues.
Some of those immense undertakings include boldly responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, assisting businesses and nonprofits through the pandemic with...
Guest View: Smart growth through smart tax sharing
It’s often said the City of Hollister and San Benito County have a history of not getting along. We want to share a shining example of the city and county working together to enhance economic development opportunities while avoiding sprawl in our community.
In early...
Guest view: Drought: It ain’t over until it’s over
California’s drought is not over despite a bounty of snowfall and rain over the past month: California’s snowpack—a critical source of water—is 150% of average for early January. But it’s not enough to bring an end to the severe drought and water shortages.
California still needs about another...
Guest View: Period Project tackles menstruation stigma
Period poverty is defined as the struggle those who have a menstrual cycle face while trying to afford menstrual products. Despite not being able to control a menstrual cycle, those who have one are still left to purchase products that some cannot afford. I...