The following events, organizations and people deserve either a
Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week:
The following events, organizations and people deserve either a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down this week:
Thumbs Up: To San Benito High School’s decision to allow local students to grow row crops on the Matulich property, a 23 acre parcel that has sat empty for the last seven years. Not only will the decision bring ag education close to home, it will allow the school to save about $12,000 a year.
Thumbs Down: To the low voter turnout for Tuesday’s primary election. Though voters typically don’t head to the polls in mass during a primary, there were several very important races decided this week that only about 35 percent of registered voters participated in. Voting is a key element of democracy and everyone should partake in choosing their local leaders.
Thumbs Up: To the new voting machines that made their debut on Tuesday. The machines were quick, easy and efficient for both voters and election officials. A fond farewell to old the punch card machines from decades ago and a welcome to the new digital age. Plus, voters who are concerned the machines are fault can always use a paper ballot.
Thumbs Down: To John Sarsfield yet again. This time for dumping the entire criminal caseload on DA-elect Candice Hooper Mancino. He said he wanted to give voters what they wanted. Give us what we really John, a district attorney who doesn’t play paltry politics at every turn.
Thumbs Up: For the the numerous kids who graduated from their English Learner classification in local schools. These kids tenacious commitment to learning English will serve them well for the rest of their academic careers. It’s no small feat to learn a new language and these kids are worthy of recognition
Thumbs Up: While were on the subject of graduation, to all the local students donning a cap and gown during the numerous graduation ceremonies this week. Congratulations on the greatest achievement of your young lives
Thumbs Up: After not having a name for seven months, Hollister’s newest park now has a name: Valley View Park, at the intersection of Valley View Road and Driftwood Street. Every park should have a name, and after a gestation period, so does Hollister’s newest park.
Thumbs Up: The county hosted a meeting that brought together state and county officials for the purpose of moving the process forward of getting a new courthouse for San Benito County. A budget specialist is assessing the county’s need for a new courthouse, and if that is going to be the case, a potential new site will also have to be explored. The last mention will be no easy task, although options have been brought forth into discussion. It’s time to keep this dialogue moving along.
