THUMBS UP: Even in these uniquely difficult economic times, the YMCA of San Benito County’s volunteers and donors have overcome odds and managed to exceed this year’s fundraising goal for the Strong Communities Campaign that raises funds for the organization. The group set a goal of $85,000 after raising $90,000 last year. Despite the tumultuous economy, donors gave $2,000 more than the goal and just a few thousand dollars less than a year ago. Considering there is a recession, unemployment is near 15 percent and the foreclosure crisis has hit home hard – while citizens are holding onto discretionary dollars with a tight grip – it’s an astonishing number. Credit goes to the volunteers who gave their time and accomplished their goal and to the many donors who give back to this community by supporting this invaluable organization. You all make San Benito County a better place and should be proud.
THUMBS DOWN: On the downside, a thief or thieves last week broke into a local church and stole nearly $2,000 in cash and checks along with a sound system. Authorities were informed Wednesday of the burglary at the Iglesia Bautista Church on Sixth Street. A thief or thieves destroyed a locker cabinet and took $900 in cash and check offerings, $850 from the women’s group fund and $45 from a special fund on hand. A church leader also said a sound system, mixer, boom box and microphones valued at $1,600 were taken. It’s a sad symbol of these difficult times. It’s also a reminder that there are bad seeds in any community, even ours, who are willing to sink this low and steal from a church. We encourage police to aggressively investigate the set of crimes and prosecute whomever committed them to the absolute fullest.
THUMBS UP: The San Benito High School girls basketball team, under second-year coach David Kaplansky, accomplished historical heights by winning two consecutive Central Coast Section titles March 7. The Lady ‘Balers defeated Evergreen Valley by fighting back to win by 11 in the CCS championship game, then received a tough draw and lost in another hard-fought game last Tuesday in the NorCal playoffs. The team had a target on its back all year after winning in 2008 and responded by repeating in resounding fashion, mainly through consistent, tenacious defense during that run. You couldn’t ask for more from a coach in his second year, and you couldn’t ask for more than Kaplansky received from those girls. Congratulations, and good luck on the 3-peat bid in 2010.
THUMBS DOWN: County Administrative Officer Susan Thompson reported to supervisors that San Benito County’s property tax revenue has dropped by $800,000 and should decline by double that amount next year. She suggested cost-saving ideas such as furlough time for employees and cutting of coffee and bottled water. She said the county would take a “surgical” approach to cuts to minimize the impact on taxpayers. Thompson appears ready to try a few ideas from the cost-cutting playbook used by other government agencies and private businesses – all the while, as the county’s surplus dropped from $7 million to an estimated $2.8 million in a year. But it’s also another example of a reactionary mindset in the county that starts at the top. County employees foster a severe lack of long-term planning beyond the next month or year, which runs contrary to the business-like approach taxpayers deserve to get the best bang for their bucks. The economy will only get worse, and supervisors should use this crisis as a kick-start to formulating a five-year financial forecast that can be adjusted with swings in revenue.
