Monthly Archives: June 2012

Every eighth American aged 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease, and 43 percent of Americans aged 85 and older have it, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Consider those percentages in light of the Social Security Administration's estimate that about 25 percent of today's 65 year olds will live past age 90. These shocking statistics have serious implications for family wealth.

On April 12, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Christine Giusiana, Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate, board members, ambassadors, merchants and friends celebrated a ribbon cutting and gala grand opening of Angela's Home Treasures, 35 E. First St., Morgan Hill, enjoying an exciting shopping experience and fun at her new eclectic boutique with a touch of class of elegant antiques, fine home furnishings, accessories and unique gifts offering many quality collections of treasures, excellent value, affordable luxury. Hors d'oeuvres were provided by Maurizio's Italiano Restorante and desserts by Odeum Restaurant with Champagne by Guglielmo Winery. Reach Angela at (408) 782-0400 or visit angelashometreasures.com.

Phil Fortino has been appointed vice president and business banking officer for Rabobank, N.A. As business banking officer, Fortino is responsible for fostering relationships with small- to medium-sized companies and providing solutions to meet the banking needs of customers in Gilroy, Hollister and the surrounding area. Before joining Rabobank, Fortino served as small business banker for Bank of America and was president and general manager for his own company, Fortino’s Total Home. He attended Gavilan College in Gilroy and Fresno Technical College. He is involved with several organizations in Hollister, including the Rotary Club, Community Foundation, Elk’s Lodge, Chamber of Commerce and the Hollister Downtown Association.

Pit bulls. Sadly, the dangerous potential outweighs the likely truthful argument that it’s the fault of the owners when a pit bull goes on the attack. Pit bulls have the genetic chops, literally, to clamp down and kill or maim. The recent attack on the horse in Morgan Hill is just the latest example. Children, and many other dogs, have been killed or seriously injured, too. Breed specific local legislation isn’t perfect, but it does make sense. Too many idiotic owners “train” pit bulls to be aggressive and you just can’t know enough about an owner to make a snap judgment about the dog that’s walking toward you and, perhaps, your child. You can say this, however. When a dog breed establishes an aggressive reputation, it often unfortunately attracts a certain personality type as an owner, a person who is not prone to ameliorating any aggressive tendencies in the breed but rather preys upon those tendencies to create a menace to society. I’m a fierce dog lover – have two, a Golden Retriever and an Old Time Farm Shepherd – but sadly I believe pit bulls should be regulated.