It’s a risky walk to school
Sunnyslope School has educated a few generations of Hollister
children since it was established in 1961, but some of today’s
children are still getting to school by walking along a busy street
that still lacks curbs and sidewalks.
It’s a risky walk to school
Sunnyslope School has educated a few generations of Hollister children since it was established in 1961, but some of today’s children are still getting to school by walking along a busy street that still lacks curbs and sidewalks.
The problem lies in Hollister’s checkerboard organization. Sunnyslope Road just east of the school may look like part of Hollister, lined as it is with homes and apartments, but it’s still an unincorporated island, part of San Benito County’s government bailiwick. And development in unincorporated San Benito has historically been viewed as a low-density rural phenomenon not requiring sidewalks.
The good news is that a bikeway and pedestrian master plan that is now being wrapped up by the county Council of Governments puts closing sidewalk gaps at eight locations at the top of its priority list, and Sunnyslope Road from El Toro Drive to Mulberry Street – the section in question – made the list.
Other gaps identified in the draft plan are the south side of Buena Vista Road from Beresini Lane to Ranchito Drive, Carnoble Drive to Brandy Court and from east of Millard Road and west of Calaveras School; the north side of Santa Ana Road from Chappell Road to Carey Way; the west side of Line Street from Steinbeck Drive to Apricot Lane; the north side of Hillcrest Road from McCray Street to Memorial Drive and the south side of Second Street from Franklin Street to San Juan Bautista State Park.
Further information about the Bikeway and Pedestrian Master Plan is available from the local COG office at 637-7665.
