Opinion

Barring disaster, the city's $4.4 million investment into the

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.

I would like to thank the Free Lance for its ongoing coverage of the current fire protection issues facing San Benito County. However, some of the content of the editorial published April 17 requires clarification. As a former firefighter, a present county supervisor and a homeowner, I am keenly aware of the challenges this community faces in maintaining high-level, cost-effective fire protection for all of its residents. We have been presented with an opportunity, and indeed a necessity, to improve performance, eliminate duplication of effort, and raise the level of local accountability going forward.

Panelists answered the following: Would you support a ban against tobacco products being sold in local pharmacies?

With sincere gratitude, I reflect on the truly historic “topping off” ceremony that took place on Jan. 17, 2024. The significance of this day marked a symbolic milestone in the construction of Gavilan College’s San Benito campus, as the last steel beam was placed....