Cheers for the Balers; jeers for the quakes
The following events, organizations and individuals deserve either a Thumbs UP or a Thumbs Down this week.
THUMBS UP: For the San Benito High School Haybalers who take their high-octane offense and swarming defense into tonight’s Central Coast Section championship game against Oak Grove at San Jose City College. The showdown between the No. 1 and No. 2 seeded teams in the playoffs promises to be a gridiron battle for the ages. Oak Grove is a tough team, but we know the Balers have the heart and the talent to pull it out.
THUMBS UP: For a federal bill that will bring as much as $20 million to California to repair and preserve our missions, including Mission San Juan Bautista. The bill, sponsored by Congressman Sam Farr, D-Carmel, has been creeping through the approval process – at one point it was held up by republicans so Sen. Barbara Boxer, who was carrying the senate version, wouldn’t have an easy victory during an election year. But President George Bush did the right thing and signed the bill into law earlier this week. The missions are a historic treasure and deserve the loving care this bill will provide.
THUMBS UP: For the city of Hollister hiring a new code enforcement officer. Since they cut the position to help balance the budget earlier this year, junk has been piling up in town and hundreds of complaints have been rolling . Now, Mike Chambless will be keeping an eye out for rusting cars, unsafe homes and other violations of city codes – making the city safer, cleaner and more attractive.
THUMBS UP: To the end of the flu vaccine shortage in San Benito County. The state distributed 2,800 vaccines to the San Benito County Health Department and private agencies in late November. It was enough to ensure that those most vulnerable to the flu got a shot. After the frenzy for flu shots broke out this autumn, it’s a relief to know that everyone who needs protection will get it.
THUMBS DOWN: For the swarm of earthquakes that has hit near Pinnacles National Monument in recent weeks. As of last week, about 50 small quakes – the biggest a 4.4 – had rumbled through the area about six miles northwest of the monument. Scientists are interested in studying the quakes to learn more about the southern section of the potentially dangerous Hayward Fault. The most recent estimate says there is a 26 percent probability that a quake measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale will hit the fault in the next 30 years. An unsettling thought, indeed.
THUMBS UP: For the nearly 100 people who took time out of their Thanksgiving holiday to serve the less fortunate at Marley Holte’s 17th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Sacred Heart School. As a result, more than 300 people had a hot turkey dinner with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie for desert. We all should give thanks that we live in such a caring community.
To respond to this editorial please send or bring letters to Editor, The Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or e-mail to ed****@fr***********.com.
