Honor those who sacrificed
THUMBS UP: For the opportunity to see an authentic World War II B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator at the Hollister Municipal Airport this week. Residents were able to inspect the airplanes that the World War II generation used to beat back the Nazi threat. That generation, which did so much for our country and the world, is fading quickly into the history books, and the planes were a fitting tribute to their achievements as we approach Memorial Day. As you spend the holiday barbecuing and having a good time with friends and family, take a moment to give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to give us the freedoms we all enjoy.
THUMBS UP: For county Supervisors who have hired a new County Administrative Officer this week. Susan Thompson, who is the Deputy Director for Behavioral Health in Fresno County, will take the San Benito County’s top job on July 7. It’s a relief to have someone in the post that has seen three administrative officers and a series of interim CAOs in the last year. San Benito County has a lot of work to do, particularly in the arena of economic development, and stability in the top spot is where it all begins.
THUMBS DOWN: For the news that Dorothy McNett’s Place is tossing in the dishtowel after making a strong go of it in downtown. Proprietor Dorothy McNett had a fine establishment in downtown Hollister that was booming for awhile but, unfortunately, saw a steady decline when the economy went in the tank after Sept. 11. A tireless advocate for downtown, McNett’s cheery smile and fine food will be greatly missed. We wish you the best of luck Dorothy.
THUMBS UP: For Jack the Sheriff K-9 who will retire from the force after seven years of dedicated service to the residents of San Benito County. In that time, Jack helped his partner make 79 felony arrests, an admirable crime-fighting record. Some within the department worried that the loyal police hound would be put down because his handler had been fired. But, rest assured, Sheriff Curtis Hill is doing the right thing and giving the dog to the former sheriff deputy so Jack can spend his twilight years enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
THUMBS DOWN: For the ruckus and stench raised by hundreds of roosters on Lone Tree Road. Residents on the rural road in the north part of the county estimate that nearly 500 of the noisy fowl have been moved into a nearby rooster ranch in the last few months. Several neighbors raised a ruckus of their own at the San Benito County Board of Supervisors this week. The noise of hundreds of roosters crowing at all hours is a legitimate complaint and we hope Supervisors make good on their promise to do something to help the neighborhood get a decent night’s sleep.
