56.6 F
Hollister
December 20, 2025

Water Cooler: Should public safety workers get better pensions?

Louise Ledesma: “No, public safety workers probably should be able to retire earlier than other government workers because of physical requirements necessary for their jobs. I don't think anyone should be able to collect more money when they are retired than when they were working. At 3% for each year worked, a person would only have to 34 years. Actually less because retirement plans usually give COLAs."

Guest View: County’s youth will do great things

Envision this: you're sitting at Starbucks (whichever of the 80 of them in San Benito) on a crisp, fresh summer morning in the middle of June, reading your choice novel, savoring your last summer before the woes of adulthood must be faced. Songs of birds and smells of coffee beans occupy your senses as you read – complete serenity. You can hear two ladies chat over their lattes 10 or so feet away, but they don't catch your attention until they begin talking about the youth population of SBC. Now it's getting juicy, so you tune in (call me nosy, but you know you would too if it was relevant to you). The lady on the left leans closer to her friend and quietly says,

Editorial: Legislation needed to toughen pension forfeiture law

The case of convicted ex-cop Ray Wood and others throughout the state underscore the need for tougher legislation to deter major crimes or penalize those who commit them in the course of their official duties.

Letter: Another Fourth of July passes without a rally

Another Independence Day gone without a motorcycle rally – perhaps it’s a good decision, but we don’t really know. Let’s at least try to bring back Hollister’s Independence Day Motorcycle Rally the right way. It will not solve the city’s serious financial problems, but if done correctly the rally can be a tiny part of the financial solution and a big part of a new outlook.

Letter: Why not have the private sector handle transit?

Instead of adding to the taxpayer subsidized government sector transit boondoggles, why not have the private sector do for-hire carriage of passengers? Why won't our elected representatives get this leech off our juglar? Is it because they owe body and soul to the public sector unions who suck out taxpayers' blood while operating the boondoggles?

Water Cooler: Do you support the Affordable Healthcare Act?

Panelists answered the question: Do you support the Affordable Healthcare Act in light of the Supreme Court ruling that it is constitutional?  

Letter: Red Barn Run participant lauds organizers

A few weeks ago I participated in the Red Barn Run at Casa de Fruta to raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I want to recognize and acknowledge the organizer, Lisa Patterson, and all of the volunteers for their commitment and efforts in orchestrating this event. Hundreds showed up and participated in either the 5K or 10K run, and their contributions are commendable. I have a six year old nephew who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2008. He has spent the last three years being treated with chemotherapy at Lucile Packard Children’s hospital in Palo Alto. Robbie is for all intents and purposes now free of leukemia. We are hopeful that he will live a long and healthy life. Events like the RBR do make a difference, and the participants of the run should be proud that in some small but significant way they are providing a piece of the solution in finding a cure for leukemia. I am thankful that our family and community supports the Red Barn Run.

Letter: Local resident offers vision for city

Hi my name is Keith Snow; I would like to wish everyone of our community a happy 4th of July! And thank the citizens for voting to have a two year mayor in our city. I want the people to know, I have 11 years of experience where I used to live in how the system runs in a city, and how the government runs. I used to know a man who was a city council man and became Mayor in Sacramento, CA he is my mentor Tom Serna, that is how I got into politics. I have good ideas to create revenue for the city and areas that need improvement. Such as police and the fire department. One idea is for a homeless shelter in the city, there has not been one here yet. I’ve heard about what they call tent city?I haven’t been there yet but I’ve helped a couple people in the city by giving to people that are in need. We need better course it’s been off. We need a better system then how the city has been running. Such as the higher water here is very outrages, I want to lower prices so people can afford it. I also want more local jobs and to take hold of the city to make it a better place to live for the people’s advantage! I hope what I want the people also want for our community. We need more resources for the people and kids to use. People should be comfortable in the city they live in and their work place. We need to work with the businesses and work with the farm land. What I do know is the San Benito County water sources something they did not tell them, but it was in the paper, that they sold 1million acres cubic feet and more to SantaClaraCounty. Where’s that money going to? You need someone to be a leader; I know how the mayor and city councilmen run. I was honest and loyal to the city I use to live in but that city is corrupted, dishonest and hides a lot of things from the public. So I would make sure that people know what’s going on in there city.  I want things to be better for our children and have things for them to do in the city. I have great ideas! And thank you to the people that have written to me and that care keep writing to me if you have any questions or concerns [email protected] also I found out we can have fireworks here in this city, someone from the city had told me they were not allowed here in our city. I’m a local leader for local jobs and a better future for our kids and community! I’m a retired engineer.

Guest View: SBHS superintendent talks budget, ‘best financial planning’

The 2012-13 San Benito High School District budget, developed and presented for adoption in June 2012, represents the best financial planning for the coming fiscal year.

Water Cooler: Will Obama’s immigration move take jobs from legal residents?

Panelists answered the question: Do you believe President Obama's executive order – granting work permits to certain, young illegal immigrants – will take away jobs from American citizens or legal residents?

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