The following events, organizations and people deserved either a
Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week.
The following events, organizations and people deserved either a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week.
THUMBS UP: For Food and Wine magazine for discovering what many locals already know – Leal Vineyards has some of the best wine around. The popular magazine named Leal as one of the 20 Best New Wineries in the world in their October issue for Leal’s 2001 Syrah. Quite a recognition for a small winery producing 5,000 cases a year.
THUMBS UP: For the County Supervisors for offering Gil Solorio an interim position as county administrator officer – the top job in county government. Although the supes will not comment on why they asked former CAO Dan Vrtis to resign, Solorio, who served the public well in the same job in the past, is good choice to hold down the fort until the new board forms in January and can select a permanent replacement.
THUMBS DOWN: To ever-burgeoning outside legal fees incurred by the San Benito County. The Hollister Free Lance this week learned another $284,000 has been spent since we last reported on the issue in April. The number is only what has been spent, not what could possibly be owed to high-powered legal teams defending the county in litigation. And the county already had spent $2.5 million in four years prior to that. It’s hard to understand how these costs are justified, especially when the budget ax cut into county programs like 4-H. The supes need a plan to put a cap on these legal fees or to re-examine the process for hiring outside lawyers, considering similar-sized counties only a pay a fraction of what San Benito does.
THUMBS UP: For the thus-far successful efforts to restore the California Condor to the wild. In 1982, only 22 members of the species existed, now there are 247 living in California, Arizona and captivity. Not only are recovery efforts well underway, the condors are beginning to explore more of their historic range. Earlier this month, two California condors traveled to the northern area of Santa Clara County – the first time they had been seen there since 1972. On Friday, six more condors were released at Big Sur and the Pinnacles National Monument will have another six released on Oct. 15. With a little more time and patience, the dream of saving this species from extinction will be a reality.
THUMBS DOWN: For the undercover effort by landowner Wayne Pierce to develop the Sargent Ranch by pairing up with an Indian tribe to work toward getting the pristine open space area south of Gilroy designated as “reservation land.” It’s nothing more than an attempt to circumvent planning process and law – and, of course, make a huge pile of cash. Putting up a “South Gilroy” with homes and commercial development near the San Benito County border that are not contiguous with Gilroy goes against all the premises of smart growth. It will increase traffic on Highway 25, for one thing, and county leaders won’t have an opportunity to comment. This proposal should face the full force of vociferous local and regional opposition.
THUMBS UP: For the return of the popular Swank Farms Great Corn Maze and Haunted Ranch. Last year, the haunt was so spooky and fun it was voted one of the best in the Bay Area and drew 20,000 people. Not only does it promise to be a scary good time, it also helps Swank Farms stay in business. The maze, a pumpkin patch and haunted ranch are off of San Felipe Road near the airport. Check it out … if you dare.
