Opinion

Ben Franklin – that long-haired revolutionary on holiday shoppers’ $100 bills – had just signed the treasonous Declaration of Independence from Mad King George. Like Continental Congress President John Hancock, delegates might be scrawling their “John Hancocks” on their own royal death warrants. (And wind up royally – well, regretful.) Ben cheerfully advised, “Now, if we don’t all hang together, we’ll all hang separately!” (No wonder the delegates were always adjourning to Philadelphia’s City Tavern.)

The press has done a very good job of reporting about the challenges our veterans face. We all have read or seen stories about our wounded  warriors. About traumatic brain injury. About veterans suffering from  depression and other serious mental health issues. About those who have  lost limbs or endure other physical hardships. These are serious issues that deserve our attention, especially on Veterans Day. What also deserves our attention, but which gets much less press, is the fact that  military veterans are twice as likely to develop – and die from – Lou  Gehrig's Disease as those who have not served in the military.

On behalf of all of my neighbors on Severinsen Street in Hollister, I am writing to thank Sheriff Darren Thompson for the participation of Officers Lisa Ponce and Tony Weir at our Halloween night celebration. The 2,600-plus trick-or-treaters were grateful to receive the Deputy Sheriff stickers, key chains, and anti-bullying materials. Officer Ponce and Office Weir are wonderful representatives of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department in community education events such as this – very personable, friendly, and patient when the crowds get thick. Since 2003, we have used our own money to pay for a block party permit in order to close Severinsen Street to traffic on Halloween night. We believe that the darkness, cars and oversize pickups, and excited small children in dark costumes could be a dangerous mix. Restricting traffic has helped to create a safe environment, but we also appreciated the presence of the county deputies’ vehicle which sent a clear message to discourage people who might be a disruptive influence. We are grateful to the county sheriff’s department for their contribution to a peaceful family-oriented evening.

We were scuba diving almost 100 feet underwater, 30 miles from nowhere. An environmentally unconscious stranger in the dive group grabbed an octopus. It sucked in sea water, then squirted it out to jet onto Tom’s mask and clamp its tentacles around his head, like a bucking bronco rider hanging on for dear life. Its suckers started tugging the life-giving air “regulator” from his mouth. His tank was running out of air. And an “emergency ascent” might give him the “bends” and kill him.

On behalf of the Hollister Downtown Association Board of Directors, I would like to thank the volunteers and sponsors of our Annual Fall Downtown Clean-up effort that took place last Saturday, October 26th, which was also National Make A Difference Day.