3 letters: Vet grateful for support, residential rezoning, Shirakawa outrage

Marine and Iraq war vet grateful for all the support she’s received from Gilroy

Dear Editor,

An open note to the City and Residents of Gilroy, and the Gilroy Dispatch:

In the summer of 2003, I decided to join the Marine Corps. After graduating from Gilroy High School early in 2004, I shipped out to Parris Island, South Carolina to start my journey as a Marine. Since then, I’ve graduated from various training courses, changed jobs, deployed to Iraq twice, earned promotions, and have had my fair share of ups and downs. One thing, though, has remained constant: the support and encouragement from everyone back home.

You have all made a difference in one way or another.  You’ve expressed your support to my family: my parents, Jack and Ann Howe, and my brother, Max (they passed along every message, too!)  You’ve also sent cards, care packages, prayers, or thoughts my way.

Now, as my nearly nine years in the Corps comes to an end and I begin a completely new chapter in my life, I want to express how deeply moved I am by all of your kindness.  Your conversations with my parents helped them through having their daughter deployed on two different occasions.  Your e-mails, cards, and well wishes helped me to realize that I had the support of the city behind me. I may not have replied to all of you, but be assured that I was, and continue to be, thankful for the endless kindness you’ve demonstrated.

As I move forward with this new chapter of my life, I ask that you all keep my brothers- and sisters-in-arms in your thoughts, and whenever you get a chance, be sure to thank a veteran and their family for what they’ve done. It really means the world to them!

Semper Fidelis,

Molly A. Howe, Sergeant, USMC

The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.

Right rezoning call by the Planning Commission, Council should follow suit

Dear Editor,

I want to urge all council members, Perry Woodward, Dion Bracco, Cat Tucker, Peter Arellano, Terri Aulman, Peter Munoz and Mayor Don Gage, in addition to all concerned residents to read this. Please vote to adopt that Area 6 remains zoned R1 Single Residential.

On Jan. 8, Planning Commissioners met to vote on re-zoning 6 areas (Area 1 – 6) from their current zoning to R4 (High Density Housing). R4 zoning is basically apartments or condominiums, with a six-story maximum structure as high as 75 feet, according to the Gilroy building regulations as I understand it.

Areas 1 – 5 meet all of the qualifications for High Density Residency requirements. Examples: Close to transportation; close to stores, etc).

I want to address Area 6. This is a 6.2 acre undeveloped parcel (APN 808-39-066) on the west side of Thomas Road between Luchessa Road. It is two miles from the nearest store. The community bus goes from the train station to Gavilan College. This area, currently a field, is surrounded by single family homes to the north, south and west. The east faces Thomas Road. It makes no common sense to re-zone this area and it does not meet the guidelines defined under R4 zoning.

At the Planning Commission meeting, many residents attended, spoke up and detailed this area was not suited for re-zoning. We all agree that there needs to be high-density development. That is not the issue. Bu there needs to be an infrastructure already in place and this does not fit in with Gilroy Specific Plan.

We also presented the commission with a petition signed by 100 neighborhood residents that are against the change.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously not to change the zoning to Area 6. I am hoping the City Council will agree with the Planning Commissioners recommendations.

I want to recognize the Planning

Commissioners in attendance for their responses and votes; Brad Bannister, Elizathbeth Sawford, Ermelindo Puente, Tom Fischer and Kai Lai.

I would like to thank all the residents who signed the petition and showed up in force to voice their concerns in this issue. Please also come to the city council meeting on Jan. 28.

Ken Dowd, Gilroy

Where’s outrage from public officials over Supervisor Shirakawa’s credit charges?

Dear Editor,

Much has been written about Supervisor George Shirakawa Jr.  Some ask for his resignation, others think he should pay back the money. 

The lack of indignation from other public officials is also troubling. Even more troubling is that Supervisor George Shirakawa does not appear to believe that he has done anything wrong. Even more troubling is apparently most other government officials in the county seemed to agree with Shirakawa. 

Where are the cries for an audit of all government issued credit cards?

Keith C. De Filippis, San Jose