Editorial: Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs down to Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Chairman Roger Hernández for not allowing a Republican member of the committee to speak against a minimum wage bill. Hernández, a Democrat from Baldwin Park, not only wouldn’t recognize Matthew Harper, but then had his microphone removed from the dais when Harper protested the heavy-handed move. Harper had every right to speak on the bill and the bullying tactics by Hernandez have no place in a legislative body. The nasty episode caused Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, to get involved. The speaker rightfully said that all members should have the right to speak on a legislative matter. The manner in which Hernández conducted himself suggests he does not have the temperament to be a committee chair.
Thumbs up to 12-year-old Meghan of Fresno, a mystery girl, for writing a thoughtful letter to the residents of Somerford Place Assisted Living Memory Care. Kathy Gorman, executive director, passed on this note, hoping Bee readers can help to find her. “It is truly a touching thought from a very sensitive, loving young girl and my residents and employees were moved by her letter,” Gorman said. “It made us all smile and reminded us about the power of Random Acts of Kindness. We would love to thank her for the happiness she brought to all of us here at Somerford Place.”
Here is an excerpt from her letter: “I have made a summer bucket list with 67 things on it. One of the things on it was to write a letter to a random address. I was thinking of who to write to, and I thought it would be cool to write to you. My sister has volunteered there before, and I thought that you might like a nice letter. I hope that you guys are having fun! I bet you have done a lot of stuff in your life. Some of you guys might have even done some things for other people as well. I will tell you a little bit about myself. I have a mom, dad, sister and a miniature dachshund, Brownie. My favorite color is blue but I also like pink and flowers. Next year I will go to a middle school called Rio Vista. I LOVE dogs and horses! I volunteer at my church with my mom and sister. I teach 2-year-olds and also third- and fourth-graders. I also love to go on vacations. But enough about me! Anyways, I really hope you guys are enjoying your time at Somerford and maybe if you want to write back to me, I wouldn’t mind. Thank you for reading my letter. Meghan.” Send your tips to kgorman@5ssl.com.
Thumbs up to Stephanie Bartsch, Neighborhood Church and Visalia Unified School District for joining forces to create Houston Neighborhood Park in north Visalia. The park will open in August to serve one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. This park is noteworthy because all other parks in Visalia are city-owned or inside gated communities. No other city parks are within easy walking distance, which is a critical safety factor for the families. The park will have many amenities, including picnic tables shaded under solar panels that supply electricity to the school. Bartsch, a member of the church, has a social work background and has been working on this project for about three years. Strike up the band for innovation!
Thumbs up to The Annex Kitchen, formerly Pardini’s Cafe, for raising $10,570 for Feed our Future, a Fresno-based organization created to feed hungry kids. The amount raised equates to 3,523 bags of food covering 17 weeks of the school year. Good start for the new restaurant.
This story was originally published July 10, 2015 at 7:12 AM with the headline "Editorial: Thumbs up, thumbs down."