The following organizations and individuals deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the Gilroy Unified School District’s $20 million gap
in funding for the facilities master plan.
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the Gilroy Unified School District’s $20 million gap in funding for the facilities master plan. Though school trustee Jim Rogers expressed some serious doubts as to whether that figure is accurate, what is clear is that construction costs have climbed substantially more than the district anticipated. What facility improvements aren’t going to be made isn’t known yet, but not everything on the list the district developed before passage of the $69 million bond, Measure I in 2002, is going to get done.
CHEERS: For the fledgling push to inspire the Gilroy Police Department to make a concerted effort to take action against boom box car drivers. Downtown can be particularly bad whether you’re getting a coffee or eating at Gilroy Bowl. The noise is offensive, and the filthy language that often accompanies the reverberations is maddening. The Council should adopt a city ordinance that allows GPD to confiscate sound systems and impound cars. A few of those serious stops is all it will take before the word on the street is “turn it down.”
JEERS: For the Gilroy High baseball team which, despite numerous injuries, made it to the Central Coast Section playoffs finishing in a tie for second place. Coach Clint Wheeler and the Mustangs have gutted it out this season, and we’ll expect the same when Gilroy opens the playoffs next week.
CHEERS: For the opening of the Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park Saturday in Gilroy. It’s a fantastic addition the the parks in the area. Ceremonies for the opening will include a nature run, canine hike, equestrian and bike rides as well as access to its camping, fishing, picnic, boating and hiking trail venues. Festivities begin at 11am. Exit Leavesley Road off of U.S. 101, follow it and turn left onto New Avenue, then right onto Roop Road, which turns into Gilroy Hot Springs Road, and follow it to the park entrance. Details: 842-7800.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Fire Department which posted the Safe Surrender Site signs designating the stations as places where unwanted newborns can be dropped off, no questions asked. It’s a good program that could be a lifesaver for a baby whose parents have lost their way.
CHEERS: For the California Department of Forestry which is setting up informational checkpoints on rural roads this spring to give motorists an opportunity to learn about fire prevention and warn them about the new law requiring 100 feet of brush clearance around a home. It’s perfect timing. With all the rain, the available fuel when the summer heat arrives will be at record levels. Another Croy Road fire is not inevitable.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy High School football team, off to its best start in years and going for win number five on the year against North Monterey County. It’s a 2pm kickoff in Castroville. Go get ’em Mustangs. And while we’re at it, the GHS girls golf team is really on a roll.
CHEERS: For all those who are going all out to turn their home into a spooky place for children to visit on Halloween. That effort translates into a whole lot of fun for Gilroy youngsters at the end of October. Our area’s pumpkin patches are a perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family, too.
