The following events, organizations and people deserve either a
Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week:
THUMBS DOWN: This week the San Benito County Probation Department placed two more employees on administrative leave, pushing the number of suspended employees up to four. The Chief Probation Officer and Juvenile Hall Superintendent were the first to be suspended. Allegations of “rampant” pornography within the department have been made. Most disturbing are allegations that incarcerated youth have had access to pornography online. Our county never seems to run out of scandalous situations, and this one is as sickening as the rest. County officials have walled off the public from information. We can only hope the mess is cleaned up, and doesn’t drag on. We have our doubts.
THUMBS UP: If you need to smile this Halloween season, take a quick drive to Severinsen Street in Hollister because residents there have gone all out to create a virtual theme park. The decorations are elaborate and creative and spooky in the best possible way. Kids of any age will feel a rush of adrenalin simply walking down Severinsen Street. We hope the neighborhood has enough candy to pass out on Tuesday night, it looks like they’ll need it.
THUMBS UP: Hollister is host to a handful of Latino markets that are doing big business by offering fresh produce, meats, and products that cannot be found in the big chain supermarkets. As business models, these establishments are worth studying. They are successful and cater fully to the needs and demands of local customers. Latino markets are flourishing across the country, and doing huge business locally and in other markets in the Central Coast, most notably places like Watsonville. In an uncertain economy, it’s great to see these local businesses making a positive mark.
THUMBS DOWN: Last month new home prices fell to their lowest mark in 35 years. Is this the slowdown that has been predicted? How long it will last remains to be seen, but we do know one thing for sure, if you are in the market to buy a home, now is a great time to do it; prices may never get better.
THUMBS UP: Marley Holte died, but his legacy of community service will live on. It was announced last week that the holiday feast for the needy that he and his wife started will continue this year. Details of the effort will come forth, but organizers are planning for a visit from Santa and an effort to drive meals to individuals that are housebound.
THUMBS DOWN: To whoever stole the DeLeon family’s cement pump, thus rendering the family business moot. This large, expensive piece of equipment is not easy to steal, and the thieves went to great lengths to do so. Theft of farm and construction equipment often goes unnoticed to the public, but is a definite problem in our area. We only hope the DeLeons recover their pump and are able to get the business back.
