The following individuals and organizations deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS for the local retailers who are moving their stores
downtown. Dilly Dalley Alley, Wize Owl and Got Memories have
relocated to Gilroy’s downtown in recent months.
The following individuals and organizations deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS for the local retailers who are moving their stores downtown. Dilly Dalley Alley, Wize Owl and Got Memories have relocated to Gilroy’s downtown in recent months. It’s a certifiable trend, and one we hope continues. What’s more, the businesses reported increased sales after moving to Gilroy’s city center. We think the Downtown Specific Plan task force has a lot to do with the business owners’ decisions to move downtown. The group has brought focus to downtown’s challenges and opportunities, with the promise of real solutions crafted by downtown Gilroy experts on the way. If this trend continues, we won’t be able to use the word ‘beleaguered’ to describe downtown Gilroy much longer.
CHEERS to news the city working to create an aligned noise ordinance policy and enforcement. No one likes to be awakened by sawing, drilling or leaf blowers in the wee hours of the morning. Coordinating policy and enforcement paired with educating residents and contractors are important steps to improving the quality of life in Gilroy.
JEERS to the annual blood shortage that seems to occur every summer. Just when blood supply demand frequently increases due to increased accidents, supply often drops precipitously due to donor vacations. If you’re in good health, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds, please consider donating blood. Visit www.beadonor.com or call (800) GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment. If you can host a blood drive, the American Red Cross is in need of donation locations in South
County. All you need is the ability to recruit at least 40 donors and a 1,000-square-foot empty room. Call Lori Peterson at (510) 773-2404 if you can host a blood drive.
CHEERS to the decision that charges are unlikely to be filed against a Watsonville farmer who unwittingly grew opium poppies on a field in San Martin. The farmer was selling the flowers as cut and dried flowers and had not cut the pods to extract the sap to make opium. We don’t need to spend scarce resources to prosecute a farmer who cooperated fully with law enforcement when his mistake was brought to his attention. The destruction of crops valued at up to $10,000 is punishment enough for an innocent mistake.
CHEERS for the Arts Council Silicon Valley’s Community Arts Fund, which recently made grants to two local arts groups. The Theater Angels Art League received more than $2,400 and the South Valley Youth Symphony netted more than $2,500. The groups plan to use the much-needed funds to help defray performance and rehearsal costs. Especially in these tight budget times, as nonprofit organizations find it harder and harder to make ends meet, these grants are especially appreciated.
