Opinion

“Reservoir closure in Year No. 4...” was the headline in the Hollister Free Lance. An invasion of zebra mussels forced the closure of San Justo Reservoir, a popular local recreation area, in early 2008. It will remain closed until at least next fall while the state and federal governments do an environmental review of the plan to remove those pests. If the review of takes another couple of years and dump trucks full of money, it’s no problem – for them. While we’re waiting, we’ll have time to ponder Governor Brown’s proposal to exempt the bullet train from the annoying and expensive environmental lawsuits the rest of us have to suffer. It took almost 300 years for America to come full circle. We thought we rid ourselves of royalty during the American Revolution – but it seems we just traded King George for King Government.

Marty Richman: “We have surveillance cameras everywhere and you have no expectation of privacy in a public place; however, drone systems can follow you around and eavesdrop with enhanced capabilities. This is going to keep the courts and a lot of lawyers busy for a very long time.”

Ridgemark’s owners have done an excellent job enhancing the property – and amenities for homeowners in the gated community – and continue to make sound business decisions for the once-flailing country club.

Panelists answered the question: Do you support the New York mayor's idea to ban the sale of sugary soft drinks over 16 ounces in an effort to curb obesity?

The City of Hollister had three measures on Tuesday's ballot, and the voters sent messages of both change and caution.

The recent revelation that the county has gradually spiked health inspection fees for booths at the farmers market is a stark reminder of hypocrisy in local government. While legally abiding businesses have played by the rules and forked over more of their money year after year – supposedly to offset inspection costs and keep the public safe – authorities have ignored enforcement of illegal street vendors.