It’s Fun at the YMCA
The following events, organizations and people deserve either a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week.
THUMBS UP: For the proposal to build a 55,000 square-foot YMCA near Ladd Lane School. Sheriff Curtis Hill, who certainly has the knack for coming up with an interesting quote, said this is the “biggest thing to happen in San Benito County in 100 years.” Well, it is certainly great news for the kids who complain that there is nothing to do in Hollister. Organizers are trying to raise $12-$16 million to buy 7 acres from the Hollister School District and build a first-rate facility complete with basketball courts, exercise equipment, a community center, meeting rooms and swimming pools. Fantastic.
THUMBS UP: For the Hollister City Council which just passed a General Plan that will guide Hollister’s growth and development for the next 20 years. City leaders worked with the public to devise a blueprint for our city’s future and we like what we see – an attempt through thoughtful planning to reign in the sprawling development of the 1990s that overburdened the city’s infrastructure, improve the fortunes of downtown and beautify the city’s gateways. Well done.
THUMBS DOWN: For San Benito County which has not done a comprehensive update of it’s General Plan in decades. The county is operating on an antiquated planning document that doesn’t consider the sweeping changes the county has undergone. Only two of the General Plan’s eight elements have been updated in the last 10 years, and several haven’t been updated since the early 1980’s. A General Plan is a blueprint that guides development, growth, transportation, population centers and even the economy. We must bring those elements into the modern era for our county. This time, the county should follow Hollister’s lead.
THUMBS UP: One more time for the Haybalers, who pulled off a thrilling victory last week to win the Central Coast Section crown. The boys in red provided us with a highly-entertaining game against rival Oak Grove and their triumph is something we all can be proud of. Go ‘Balers.
