And excuse me, what's with axing the city fireworks show from next year's budget. It's the old government "we're going to have to close the Washington Monument" trick … C'mon, Council, give the residents who really appreciate the annual show a break - find something else to cut, or engage community partners as sponsors, but let's have a sense of what creates community, what makes Gilroy special and value it. Name another city-sponsored event that attracts and entertains so many thousands. Even from a city business standpoint, it doesn't make sense. Plenty of folks come to Gilroy to enjoy a BBQ with friends and family before strolling over to the show. They buy gas, snacks and beer and may even stop at the outlets first … so think tax dollars and keep the fireworks show.

No fire worries at Del Rey Park … the way the city overwaters it, it's a wonder there's any water at all left for residents. Doesn't any city employee walk and take a look at our parks on a regular basis? Isn't there a basic checklist on condition and issues that need to be addressed? Guess not, but in contrast to the mushy lawns and the gurgling run-off drains, the climbing-rose-covered arch over the entrance to the children's play area is beautiful. Well, maybe it's a school district issue since the park is a shard facility.

Still think that the city did a great job on the Santa Teresa widening project and still appreciate the open enthusiasm with which project-manager-for-awhile Steve Beams greeted accolades and criticism alike during the project. When I drive Santa Teresa north of First Street, it's a very pleasant entry and exit from Gilroy.

… And I swear I've been seeing Oak Grove and Morgan Hill school district buses on the streets of Gilroy the last week. What's up with that? Anyone who knows please shoot me an e-mail to editor@garlic.com.

And, no, they're not busing children in to buy fireworks as a field trip thereby demonstrating the American right to keep and bear fireworks …

My feelings on the Great Gilroy Fireworks Debate mirror our astounding Web poll numbers: Like the 1,000 participants, I'm hopelessly split 50-50. I get both arguments. I enjoyed the American tradition of lighting fireworks on the neighborhood block with the children when they were young. We always had the hose handy to stave off trouble. Sparklers in the night were fun, and the memories of Shannon, Cayla and Mariah writing their names in the air are pure Americana. But I also know that there are complete morons out there who take advantage of the confusion around the Fourth caused by the mixing of legal and illegal fireworks, and that a moron who can start a fire can be a dangerous human being.

Speaking of dangerous, the empty lot on First Street east of Wren Avenue - you know, the one where every politico drops a huge sign during election season - is a mess. There are mounds of dirt piled high and wide topped with dry weeds, and it's adjacent to a housing development. Cut the weeds, and level the lot. The city should ask kindly for a clean-up first, then bill the property owner for the work if necessary …

A neccessary stop at this year's Garlic Festival, which will be here in a twinkling, will be the farewell appearance of the rock 'n' roll band Shaboom. The guys who started the band more than 25 years ago did so to raise money for school programs. Over the years, led by lead singers John Dotson and Dee Quinet who have been around the block, the band became a festival icon. Their style - just playing good tunes to spark a good time - matches the festival's spirit. The trademark water spray bottles on the baking dance floor and the occasional flying beach ball are all a festive part of the Shaboom scene. The band's exit will mark the end of an era of sorts. Devotees should note the time shift, too. All three days of the fest, Shaboom will be at the amphitheater stage from 3 to 4:30 p.m. … it's a good time, guaranteed, and they deserve a hearty Gilroy send-off.

No hearty Bay Area send-off for Baron Davis. The star guard for the Warrriors took the LA Clippers money and ran - yeah, after he assured everyone he'd be back. Appreciated his ability, but - as a gut feeling - never thought much of his character … so, so-long …

Good news on the local basketball front, though. New head coach Jeremy Dirks has summer ball going and the JV team in a league. He's reinvigorating the program. "I don't know if we'll win more games, but I guarantee we will have a team that is respectable and hardworking. " Gotta love it, good news for Gilroy High.

Mark Derry is the editor of the Dispatch. Reach him at editor@garlic.com

Mark Derry Mark Derry is the executive editor of the Gilroy Dispatch. Reach him at (408)847-7010 or editor@garlic.com.