Area school districts at a recent meeting bringing together
leaders throughout the county honored this year’s teachers of the
year. These are the best of the best and among the most
influential, important figures in this community. It’s often a
thankless job, however, so it’s nice to see that area school
leaders make it a priority to honor some of the local citizens who
make a big difference every day. They are examples of how to do
this crucial job the right way while they also represent a snapshot
of many more dedicated educators in this county.
THUMBS UP: Area school districts at a recent meeting bringing together leaders throughout the county honored this year’s teachers of the year. These are the best of the best and among the most influential, important figures in this community. It’s often a thankless job, however, so it’s nice to see that area school leaders make it a priority to honor some of the local citizens who make a big difference every day. They are examples of how to do this crucial job the right way while they also represent a snapshot of many more dedicated educators in this county.
THUMBS UP: Speaking of progress, airport officials have reached agreement on a proposed lease with Calfire to potentially keep the agency in Hollister for the long term, while Calstar plans to have its local operation in high gear by next month. Each in itself is a big step forward for the airport and the city as a whole, particularly because each significantly boosts the level of public safety for San Benito County residents, and at little expense to local taxpayers. Calstar’s airport presence will immediately cut down travel time in a major emergency by about 20 minutes, said Mike Chambless, the airport manager, in a meeting with the Free Lance Editorial Board. The value of that new benefit cannot be monetized. It truly is a leap forward for this community with potential to save many lives.
THUMBS UP: San Benito County farmers took a big hit when the federal government cut off access to its water supply this year, leaving locals limited in use to groundwater and other alternative sources. Although farmers widely shunned the idea of using Hollister’s recycled wastewater when broached a year ago as the plant neared opening, many are now showing interest in the supply that is treated to a tertiary level – which can be used on almost any crop, yet legally cannot be distributed as drinking water. It should serve to benefit everyone, local residents who need the water and the city because it’s a new revenue source. Engineering official Steve Wittry also deserves credit for recognizing the demand and exhibiting urgency to get a program together as soon as possible, while ensuring that it involves a fair rate structure for all.
THUMBS DOWN: It may just have been been a broken water main on San Benito Street in early March that cut off traffic to that area of the main drag for several days. But the frequency of such malfunctions, especially in the downtown area, should be more alarming to city officials and should be cause for a serious examination of the water-main system’s strength. Such breakdowns not only cause an inconvenience and potential for damage to area residents and their homes, but it also is a crucial piece of infrastructure. And it deserves a further look because, if a major problem exists, it could cost more in the long run if it is not fixed sooner than later.
