Opinion

Chickenpox. Hepatitis A and B. Measles. Polio. Tetanus. Whooping cough (or pertussis). What do they have in common? They are all vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). That means all of these diseases can be prevented with vaccines. No one has to suffer—or die—from them. We have safe, effective vaccines that have swept these diseases into the public-health waste bin in many parts of the world.

Panelists and readers answered the following: Do you agree with the idea of moving the Hollister Freedom Rally to the second weekend in July?

It is time for the community to begin the work to get what it wants. For example, swimming pools at the high school so that our students get what they need and all San Benito residents have a recreational amenity to use.

I just wanted to add a little to your story about the passing of Mr. Greg Hearn. I came to San Benito High School in 1986, at 22 years old with very little experience and he took a chance on me, like he did with many other teachers over the years. But what separated him was the fact that he also provided the support for all of us to grow as teachers, and more importantly as people.

When we think about how to be prepared for a disaster, we, of course, think mostly about earthquakes. After all, San Benito County does sit on top of the San Andreas and Calaveras faults. Most of us clearly remember the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and how it affected our communities and our families. We worry about when the next big one will hit and how we can be better prepared for it.  

Panelists and readers answered the following: Do you support the Southside Road site at the old county hospital for a permanent homeless shelter?

Our plans for a homeless shelter showed some serious disconnects during the last meeting of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. If those problems are not identified, attacked, and solved before we make major, irrevocable, decisions we risk taking too much time, spending too much money for what we get, and ending up with an ineffective program. We need a timeout a new attitude to get it right.

Having grown up with a food-loving family or “foodie” family, trust me when I say I have learned to appreciate food. Whenever my family gets together in the kitchen, there is never a dull moment with conversations over pots and pans. Sharing delicious and authentic food with loved ones is a feeling unlike any other and this is pretty much why I have a deep love for fresh and yummy food.