The following individuals and organizations deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
The following individuals and organizations deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors which took a look at Assemblyman Simon Salinas’ anti-business voting record and decided not to endorse the heavily favored incumbent in the November race. California has become the “job killer” state and, for the most part, Salinas has done his part to contribute to that deserved image. Out of 18 key business-related votes tracked by the California Chamber of Commerce, Salinas voted pro-business only three times.To have a look at his record go to www.calchamber.com, click on “Advocacy Resources” on the left hand side of the screen, then go to “Legislator Vote Record.” Salinas, a genuine representative, needs to step back and reassess his contribution to the anti-business environment we have created.
CHEERS: For the news that perchlorate contamination seems to be relatively shallow in South County’s aquifers. Unfortunately, the chronic lack of information about perchlorate troubles us here, too, because we don’t know enough about the risks of perchlorate traveling to deeper parts of the aquifer. And, news that shallow wells might have to be redrilled to reach deeper parts of the aquifer isn’t good for well owners’ pocketbooks.
CHEERS: For a revived Renaissance Faire that is returning to Casa de Fruta. Now that participants from the shuttered fair have inked a deal to host a bawdy event themselves, the rolling hills in southern Santa Clara County will ring with the sounds of medieval fun and entertainment this fall. It’s a great trip for students studying history and, of course, we’re looking forward to the delicious food, bountiful bodices and Olde English pastimes coming back to South Valley weekends from Sept. 18 to Oct. 24.
JEERS: For San Jose Christian College officials who are considering appealing their latest loss in their battle to have the former Saint Louise Hospital in Morgan Hill rezoned. Court after court has ruled that Morgan Hill officials were well within their rights to deny the college’s rezoning request and were not in violation of the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The only avenue left for the college is a Supreme Court appeal. We urge them to save their donors’ money and give the taxpayers of Morgan Hill a break by dropping this doomed lawsuit.
JEERS: For the report that a digital divide exists between Hispanics and non-Hispanics in South Valley. Computer access and skills among Hispanics are sharply lower than among non-Hispanics, denying many people the chance to better their lives through Internet access and better jobs. Let’s work together to attack this problem from various angles: computer access, donated equipment and services, and English language skills.
CHEERS: For the Red Hat Society, a group of middle-aged women who meet once a month to defy stereotypes. The ladies, all aged 50 and older, wear red hats to their outings to symbolize a spirited, fun lifestyle. We’re impressed with their determination, especially in our youth-obsessed culture, to embrace their stage in life and support each other.
