Editorial: Quick hits

University back from the brink
Questions about the future of Bethany University have finally been answered. After several months of uncertainty among administration, staff, students and alumni, a major group of investors has pulled together funding to keep the school open.
It’s hard to say what changes the university will see. Maybe the skeleton of the cafeteria will be completed. Maybe the school will offer several new majors. Maybe alumni relations will improve. Maybe the university will promote itself, its programs and its accomplishments (and its gorgeous redwoods location) to draw the number of students it needs to become a sustainable entity.
We hope the change in ownership and management, along with an infusion of cash, will result in a stronger product and presence in the community and in California.
BC Rec has new opportunity
Boulder Creek Recreation should expand its teen and young-adult programming.
The resignation of recreation director Christina Horvat has provided the district with an opportunity to grow. During Horvat’s tenure, to her credit, programming increased for young families, and she was instrumental in the Garrahan Park remodel, which has proved to be a boon to the community.
We hope the next recreation director is able to continue activities for youngsters while making a concerted effort to build a teen program.
A Press-Banner investigation into teens in the valley several months ago found that school activities and sports occupy many teenagers’ time. However, there is a segment of the population that would benefit from a teen center, or at least a place to spend several hours after school every day to play games, hang out, do homework and be in a safe environment off the streets.
We believe the new recreation director, backed with support from the rec board, should focus on the underserved teenage population at the north end of the San Lorenzo Valley. We believe the existing facilities in the district can host teen activities now and there is no reason to hold off for a new recreation center, which the district’s board continues to pursue.