Cheers for the veterans; jeers the long wait
The following people, events and organizations deserve either a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week.
THUMBS UP: For our veterans. We respect, honor and remember the sacrifices you have made for our country.
THUMBS UP: For the San Benito County Board of Education, which is weighing whether or not to pass a resolution against a proposed Miwok casino on Highway 25. The board is studying the issues and members have said they are leaning toward approving such a resolution. We would encourage them to do so. What possible positive influence could a casino have on the education of our youth? It will teach them that the only thing that really matters is money.
THUMBS UP: For John Kolstad of Saratoga, who took it upon himself to restore a bit of California history – the bells that mark the original El Camino Real. Kolstad has loved the bells, which line much of U.S. Highway 101, since grade school. Through a twist of fate, he wound up purchasing the company that made the original bells. He then approached Caltrans with a proposal to replace the bells, many of which had fallen into disrepair or had been stolen. The transportation agency landed $1.4 million to fund the work. As a result, 567 bells marking the historic route should be in place by Thanksgiving. The bells near San Juan Bautista were replaced earlier this month.
THUMBS DOWN: For the news that understaffing at the Hollister Police Department is leading to more cops leaving. It’s a maddening spiral: The police department is understaffed, so police are required to work long hours. The tough schedule takes its toll and officers look for jobs elsewhere, which means even fewer cops on Hollister’s street. The department has 28 officers – about half that recommended by the state Peace Officers and Standards for a town our size. We can’t afford to lose any more. Staffing for public safety must be at the top of the list when the City Council works on its budget.
THUMBS UP: For the 31 retired teachers who have donated more than 8,600 hours of their time to good causes between 2002 and 2003. The teachers did everything from teach music to kindergartners to volunteering at the Community Pantry. Had they been paid for that time, the bill would have added up to nearly $141,000. That’s a remarkable amount of commitment and dedication to bettering our community.
THUMBS UP: For Small Steps and all the good Samaritans who made it possible for 342 underprivileged San Benito County children to go shopping for winter clothes at Target and Payless Shoe Source last week. The organization raised $26,650, including a whopping $10,000 donation from the Intero Real Estate Foundation, for the program. As a result, each child had $75 to spend for coats and shoes. This was the seventh year of the program and it was the largest group ever served by the worthy cause.
THUMBS DOWN: For the continued delay in deciding the fate of supervisor-elect Jaime De La Cruz who could face charges for elections violations in the March – yes, March – District 5 supervisors race. District Attorney John Sarsfield says he is still waiting for a report from the Secretary of State before moving ahead. The report is months late, and this delay is ridiculous. De La Cruz will be seated in less than two months. Charge him Mr. Sarsfield, if you’ve have the evidence to do so. You can ad charges from the report later if need be. Let’s get the ball rolling, so we can resolve this issue. If there is nothing to charge De La Cruz with now, let the public know that and we’ll all wait patiently for the report.
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