The following events, organizations and people deserve either a
Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week:
THUMBS UP: To the Relay For Life for walking the extra mile in the fight against cancer. Hundreds of volunteers took to the football field at San Benito High and trekked to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Teams and individuals did their part, and are still out this morning raising money. Organizers said as many as 400 people may take part in this year’s event, making it the biggest ever.
THUMBS DOWN: To the cannery for a mishap that led to tomato paste being spread around public streets in the area, a mishap that required help from the city to clean up. The cannery is one of the most beneficial economic elements in the city of Hollister, but it simply does not seem right that the city should have to clean up after it.
THUMBS UP: To the Castro family, for moving back to Hollister, where Kevin grew up and graduated from San Benito High, and sharing their experiences about living through the trauma of Hurricane Katrina. The Castro family has served as an important reminder that the disaster has not ended, and that residents in the stricken areas of a Louisiana are living anything but a normal life.
THUMBS UP: To the jury that came up with a verdict that put convicted sex predator Lance Purcell back in a state hospital for at least another two years. Deputy District Attorney Candice Hooper argued that Purcell suffered from a mental condition that predisposed him to committing sexually violent offenses. We agree. And most importantly, so did the jury.
THUMBS UP: To District Attorney John Sarsfield. Yes, that DA. Sarsfield is exploring the possibilty of pursuing a capital murder trial against the suspect who allegedly killed 18-year old Daniel Gallegos in an incredibly brutal manner. We think he’s on the money. It would be only the third such trial in county history, but if any crime warranted such action, this is it.
THUMBS UP: For the possibility of the Emmaus House opening by Christmas. The board of directors is searching for staff for the shelter for battered women year-round. The emergency shelter will provide a sanctuary for women and children who need it the most. We look forward to its opening and hope everything comes down smoothly.
