Commentary | BenitoLink

Gavilan College Superintendent and President Kathleen Rose. Photo provided.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Reflections and Renewal—the Way Forward

Published 07/08/2020
Community Contributor, Gavilan College

Superintendent/President Kathleen Rose writes about the past school year and looks ahead to the future.

Betabel Project Drawing, from R. McDowell. Provided by Mia Casey.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: The Betabel Project: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Published 07/06/2020
Community Contributor, Mia Casey

San Benito Citizens for a Brighter Future co-founder Mia Casey writes about a virtual town hall put on by Betabel Project owner Rider McDowell.

Gavilan College campus in Gilroy. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: Gavilan College’s deficits are a result of overspending

Published 07/04/2020
Community Contributor, Steven Kinsella

Steve Kinsella writes that residents need to demand accountability and transparency from the Gavilan College trustees.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: San Benito County facing emergencies

Published 06/29/2020
Community Contributor, Mark Medina

Supervisor Mark Medina writes about the county facing COVID-19 and the budget.

Downtown San Juan Bautista. File photo.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: San Juan’s economic struggle over the last 75 years could end

Published 06/05/2020
Community Contributor, valerie egland

Valerie Egland writes about the difficulty of drawing tourists in to the historic city.

Charlene McKowen at the Anzar High School Garden. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Anzar High School staff go far beyond distance learning expectations

Published 06/02/2020
Community Contributor, charlene mckowen

Former principal Charlene McKowen writes that staff worked hard to adapt and sustain a high-maintenance, high-reward vital program for graduation during the school closure.

Students are struggling with distance learning. Photo provided by Youth Alliance.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Keeping youth at the heart of our recovery

Published 05/30/2020
Community Contributor, Youth Alliance

Youth Alliance Executive Director Diane Ortiz writes that distance learning does not serve community members equally, and that the community must come together to address issues now.

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Satellite view of San Benito County with project location highlighted. Image courtesy of Goggle Earth and provided by Wayne Norton.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: Stop personal attacks, let project stand on its own merits

Published 05/26/2020
Community Contributor, Wayne Norton

SBC Supervisor candidate Wayne Norton writes about proposed development at Betabel.

Image provided by Rider McDowell.

Commentary

COMMENTARY: McDowell Charity Trust-funded research for cancer leads to possible breakthrough

Published 05/22/2020
Community Contributor, Rider Mcdowell

Betabel Project creator Rider McDowell writes about progress made in treating medulloblastoma, a form of pediatric brain cancer.

Supervisor Peter Hernandez. File photo.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: To be unified, we need an honest conversation

Published 05/12/2020
Community Contributor, BenitoLink Staff

Supervisor Peter Hernandez shares comments he made at an April meeting concerning the face covering mandate.

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Hollister District 1 Councilwoman Carol Lenoir. File photo by John Chadwell.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: An open letter to downtown

Published 05/07/2020
Community Contributor, Carol Lenoir

Hollister Councilwoman Carol Lenoir writes about downtown revitalization and efforts to continue ad hoc committee work.

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Noah and Melia Magaña meet their newborn brother, Nathan.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Published 04/17/2020
Community Contributor, Shelby Schipsi

Shelby Schipsi writes about her experience.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: Face masks—compassion and solidarity

Published 04/10/2020
Community Contributor, Patty Anne

Patty Anne writes that wearing a face mask in public is a considerate gesture towards others, lessening the spread of any germs.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: Observations to help reduce contamination

Published 04/06/2020
Community Contributor, BenitoLink Staff

Denise Olson writes that making local grocery stores safer may reduce the hoarding and short supplies seen in the region.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Community Opinions

COMMUNITY OPINION: Autopsy of the Measure K opposition campaign

Published 04/03/2020
Community Contributor, valerie egland

Valerie Egland writes that low voter turnout and a campaign of disinformation tipped the scales of the county's future.

Hollister School District offices on Cienega Road. File photo.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: On HSD and 2020 Census

Published 09/01/2019
Community Contributor, Aurelio Zuniga

Aurelio Zuniga writes that HSD Superintendent Ochoa's participation in the 2020 Census could help secure additional federal funding.

Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister. File photo.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Self-awareness in a time of distraction

Published 03/01/2019
Community Contributor, BenitoLink Staff

Samantha Slykas to host March 2 self-awareness event for all ages.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Tribute for Martha Moses

Published 01/22/2019
Community Contributor, BenitoLink Staff

In this contributed commentary, resident Joan Sattler shares a tribute on her friend Martha Moses.

Leia Bernabe, Johnny's one on one aide (left), John Schilling (center), and his nurse Veronica Guerra (right). Veronica was with him for many years, and is a close family friend. Photos and captions provided by Casandra Guerrero, SBHS Special Education Specialist.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Schilling made everyone’s day ten times better

Published 12/24/2018
Community Contributor, Vanessa Kirchner

Vanessa Kirchner reflects on the radiant qualities and life of San Benito High School student John Schilling.

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. Photo provided.

Commentary

COMMENTARY: Hazel Hawkins prioritizes transparency and public involvement

Published 09/24/2018
BenitoLink Staff

After accusations of a Brown Act violation regarding transparency, the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Board of Directors issued a response.

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