Guest View: Work together on measles
California is at the center of a multi-state measles outbreak. It presumably started when an infected person (who has not been identified) visited Disneyland Resort Theme Parks in December 2014. About 40 people who visited or worked at the park became infected, and then people who were around those ill people, in doctor’s offices, schools and airplanes also became infected with this highly contagious virus. As of Feb. 6, over 100 cases in seven states had been reported as part of this outbreak. There are no cases in San Benito County.
Guest View: Panoche Valley is wrong for solar project
The energy landscape in California is rapidly changing. In just a few short years, new wind, solar and geothermal power plants have put the state on track to achieve 33 percent clean energy by 2020. Governor Jerry Brown recently announced a plan to derive 50 percent of our electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
Guest View: Statue offers source of inspiration
When Eric Tognazzini passed away from cancer on May 20, 2011, San Benito County mourned. He was only 64 years old, but he had somehow managed to become known, loved and an inspiration for an amazing number of people. His smile and friendly wave greeted everyone he passed as he rode around Hollister on his three-wheeled bike, collecting aluminum cans for his recycling business. On any day of the week, Eric could be seen around Downtown Hollister. From Nino’s Pizzeria to Baywood Creamery, from Public Drive-In Market to Schipper’s, from Ladd’s Hardware to Muenzer’s Sporting Goods, Eric was part of Hollister itself.
Letter: Tobacco industry targets youth
As a sophomore at San Benito High School I face daily peer pressure; whether it’s from friends wanting me to drink alcohol or smoking cigarettes. I’m constantly told that if I don’t, I am not cool enough. Lucky enough I am the kind of person that if something does not seem right I will not do it, especially to fit in or impress my friends. However, I know of many students who smoke because they do not want to feel left out.
Guest View: Legislation adds to need for water management
In September 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law an unprecedented three-bill legislative package, known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA). The SGMA provides a framework for sustainable management of groundwater supplies by local authorities, with a limited role for state intervention only if necessary to protect the resource.
Guest View: CattleWomen wrangling local activities
As this 2014 year closed and we begin to plan our activities for 2015, we would like to share our activities during the summer and fall of 2014. Our mission is to enhance beef’s image and educate our community about good, healthful ways to improve their health and that of their families. The CattleWomen have been busy within this community with lots of activities and events to make our community a better place to live.
Letter: Solar project opposition is classic NIMBY
It’s hard to believe that when it comes down to supporting an actual project, the vast majority of local residents claiming to be behind solar energy simply disappear, but that seems to be the case with the Panoche Valley Solar Project. Now that it’s crunch time they are nowhere to be found.
