Opinion

San Benito County is facing significant challenges in its legal representation for indigent clients, with glaring issues in the current contract system. This includes low rates of litigation, minimal jury trials and lack of motions to suppress evidence—all of which raise ethical and procedural...

The Gavilan Joint Community College District extends from the Coyote Valley to the southern edge of San Benito County, and includes the communities of Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Tres Pinos and Paicines, along with the surrounding rural areas. It...

“My vote doesn’t count,” is heard frequently but let’s look at how one vote does count. Our vote is our voice. Our voice is us. We are heard when we vote. Let’s remember that when anyone attends a Super Bowl game or even a...

National Groundwater Awareness Week is celebrated from March 10-16. It is an annual week of awareness, education and advocacy focusing on one of the nation’s most precious resources.   Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock. It...

There is an old proverbial idiom, “The Pot Calling the Kettle Black’” that very accurately describes the dynamic revealed in a recent mailer from the local 501 c 4 political nonprofit “Neighbors to Preserve San Benito” (NPSB).  The mailer referenced a recent news article directed...

Recently, a video was uploaded to a multitude of social media platforms attacking me for what the creator of the video claimed was a lack of concern or attention for our roads. Normally, I wouldn’t feel the need to address a hit piece like...

In a Super Bowl where one point could make a difference between winning or losing, is the hospital situation any different? Could Hazel Hawkins put aside one point of difference to accomplish a winning situation in order to stay together and serve the community?...

Re: Hospital receives LOI from a fourth suitor, Free Lance 2/2/24 A jigsaw puzzle can be challenging and satisfying. Different smooth or angular shapes can take a great deal of thought while examining some pieces with rounded peninsulas while contemplating other pieces with rounded bays...

Since being elected supervisor in 2022, I have come across several hot-button issues and controversial projects or decisions. With a lot of these issues, the community is highly engaged and we hear a mix of opinions from the residents. This has not been the...

For decades, San Benito County deferred necessary road improvements, leading to the terrible condition of most unincorporated roads today and universal frustration by local drivers.  When I ran for District 2 supervisor in 2020, I pledged to prioritize fixing the roads, and I most certainly...