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 Craig Gartman, the chairman of Gilroy’s Memorial Day parade and celebration. What a great hometown event this has become. In the morning, with heartfelt humility we honor those who have fought for our freedom with speeches and prayers. Then, it’s flags, fun and frivolity as the parade unfolds along 10th Street. There are hundreds of hours that go into preparation of this event, and Councilman Gartman shouldered a good portion of this volunteer burden with true grit. Thanks for providing such a memorable weekend for so many. It’s what Gilroy is all about.
JEERS: For the $17,765 bill three Gilroy High School students have left the taxpayers with following the phoned-in death threat on a teacher. The May 14 incident sparked a full-scale public safety response to the local high school and the GPD bill is only one expense associated with the “prank.” We’re disappointed that the California Highway Patrol and the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department are declining to seek restitution. The students and parents should be held financially accountable. The pursuit of restitution is the pursuit of justice. It also sends a crystal clear message to those who might consider this type of action “funny.” A $17,765 bill is about as “funny” as the “prank” was.
CHEERS: For the graduates who will cross stages and podiums across the city next week. Effort and excellence will be honored in a rite of passage that signals new beginnings. It is a time to take stock – to cherish memories and embrace accomplishment. We wish the students and the parents a happy graduation and a fruitful road ahead.
CHEERS: For the news that the annual Rotary Club/Goldsmith Seeds flower sale netted $50,000 for local charitable causes. That’s a whole lot of Gilroy scholarship money – ah, seed money if you will, for a better future.
JEERS: For the news from the Gilroy Unified School District administration that there’s little money left for teacher salary increases. Negotiations begin next month, and the district says skyrocketing health insurance costs are all but drying up the financial well. Both sides are seeking a solution to keep health care costs to GUSD in check. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail and the teachers work out a contract that is both fair and manageable for the district.
CHEERS: For Gilroyan Mary Fambrini, who is a Good Samaritan for stray animals. Fambrini has been capturing stray cats around the Ronan Avenue area and the Lily Garden Apartments. She pays for them to be neutered and spayed before releasing them back to the neighborhood. Through her gracious efforts, the feral cat population is being kept under control.
