Letters

The press has done a very good job of reporting about the challenges our veterans face. We all have read or seen stories about our wounded  warriors. About traumatic brain injury. About veterans suffering from  depression and other serious mental health issues. About those who have  lost limbs or endure other physical hardships. These are serious issues that deserve our attention, especially on Veterans Day. What also deserves our attention, but which gets much less press, is the fact that  military veterans are twice as likely to develop – and die from – Lou  Gehrig's Disease as those who have not served in the military.

On behalf of all of my neighbors on Severinsen Street in Hollister, I am writing to thank Sheriff Darren Thompson for the participation of Officers Lisa Ponce and Tony Weir at our Halloween night celebration. The 2,600-plus trick-or-treaters were grateful to receive the Deputy Sheriff stickers, key chains, and anti-bullying materials. Officer Ponce and Office Weir are wonderful representatives of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department in community education events such as this – very personable, friendly, and patient when the crowds get thick. Since 2003, we have used our own money to pay for a block party permit in order to close Severinsen Street to traffic on Halloween night. We believe that the darkness, cars and oversize pickups, and excited small children in dark costumes could be a dangerous mix. Restricting traffic has helped to create a safe environment, but we also appreciated the presence of the county deputies’ vehicle which sent a clear message to discourage people who might be a disruptive influence. We are grateful to the county sheriff’s department for their contribution to a peaceful family-oriented evening.

We were scuba diving almost 100 feet underwater, 30 miles from nowhere. An environmentally unconscious stranger in the dive group grabbed an octopus. It sucked in sea water, then squirted it out to jet onto Tom’s mask and clamp its tentacles around his head, like a bucking bronco rider hanging on for dear life. Its suckers started tugging the life-giving air “regulator” from his mouth. His tank was running out of air. And an “emergency ascent” might give him the “bends” and kill him.

On behalf of the Hollister Downtown Association Board of Directors, I would like to thank the volunteers and sponsors of our Annual Fall Downtown Clean-up effort that took place last Saturday, October 26th, which was also National Make A Difference Day.

State law AB1266 affects all California students K-12. It mandates that any child be allowed to use any currently-segregated facility such as bathrooms based on their perceived sexual identity, regardless of their actual physical sex. This bill has already been quietly signed by our governor and will take effect in January.

My name is Keith Snow. I feel we need better public decisions and to be responsible and accountable for what is done in the city and accountable for the bad decisions. We have to focus better and unleash and unlock bad politics. We have to have a better local government with a better council and leaders for our future.

The Little League International championship baseball game played between the USA and Japan was not the usual “let’s have fun and be good sports”. This game was a pitchers battle with no love lost for each other. The team from Japan came to compete. Unfortunately, at all cost, Japan played the game like college professional players. The Japanese hurler pitched inside often, either knocking down or hitting three batters. This style of aggressive play took place with key American players. The strategy worked; a number of U.S. players were upset and frustrated by this action. In my opinion, this game plan was developed and promoted by Japan’s coaching staff. To play youth baseball in this fashion detracts from the purpose of Little League baseball, to play with honor and good sportsmanship.

I wish to thank Assemblyman Luis Alejo for his bill on the minimum wage. Glad it was signed into law. Keep up the good work.