Over the past year and a half, a Hollister resident has used BenitoLink’s “Opinion” section to question and at times, critique, some Hollister Police Department policies. In an effort to improve communication, provide information, and foster an open dialogue, the video interview series “BenitoLink Connects“ was developed.
In late November 2016, BenitoLink separately interviewed that resident — Luis Burguillo — and Hollister Police Chief David Westrick to discuss their perspectives about local law enforcement. In the past, Burguillo has published a variety of opinion articles on BenitoLink about law enforcement in an effort to raise questions and provoke discussion about Hollister Police Department practices and procedures. Burguillo’s articles generated an extensive amount of conversation on the news site and on social media. Those commenting generally objected to what some called his “false claims” and “misleading facts.” In addition, the dialogue prompted some to ask why BenitoLink continues to publish Burguillo’s opinion pieces, which he does on his own, not as an assignment from the community news site.
What sparked the idea of conducting separate video interviews?
The idea presented itself after Burguillo submitted an article titled, “The significance of the figure 2,223 and its relationship to Measure W and the city council.” The article generated interest from many San Benito County residents, having received more than 17 comments on BenitoLink and plenty more on Facebook. In addition, it gained the attention of Westrick, who responded on his personal Facebook page with the following:
“It sure would be swell if folks that write commentary to contribute their viewpoints to the local online paper were actually required to do research and be truthful. Again, there isn’t a huge windfall from writing traffic tickets for police departments. It’s in the neighborhood of 1% or less of the original fine. Yes I said 1% or less than the fine. Additionally in Hollister the police department does not receive a single penny back as revenue from citations. It goes directly to the city. Comparing Hollister to Ferguson? Seriously? Writing tickets is always about changing behaviors and traffic safety. Chief”.
Shortly after that reply, the idea of learning more about Burguillo’s and Westrick’s perspectives caught on. In response, “BenitoLink Connects” was created to gain insight, address issues, and perhaps improve community/police relations in San Benito County. The first interview addresses some questions and concerns raised by Burguillo and offers Westrick an opportunity to provide a perspective on the Hollister Police Department. Both men also have agreed to a second videotaped interview in which they will sit down together for a conversation about policing in Hollister.
The first in the BenitoLink Connects video interview series is scheduled to be released next week on the website as well as our social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter. Stay tuned!
*Editors’ Note* BenitoLink’s mission is to serve San Benito County by providing a platform for opinions and perspectives from any resident. BenitoLink does not assign or pay for opinion articles and as long as the submissions conform to our Terms of Service, we run them.