The following organizations and
individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the smooth school-year opening in the Gilroy Unified
School District. In recent years, GUSD has avoided major pitfalls
during the first few days of school.
The following organizations and
individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the smooth school-year opening in the Gilroy Unified School District. In recent years, GUSD has avoided major pitfalls during the first few days of school. That’s a testament to good planning.
JEERS: For the city, which scheduled street repair work and a closure on Monterey Street downtown on the same day as the Chamber of Commerce’s annual trade show. In Gilroy, when it comes to City Hall, downtown continues to be an afterthought and a sore spot.
CHEERS: For the news that the Valley Transportation Authority has decided to fund a new round of Highway 152 improvements and on the list – at long, long, long last – is a signal light in front of Gilroy Foods. Funds from a light rail project and a few other VTA projects that have come in under budget (imagine that!) will be used to widen another segment of Pacheco and install the signal light. Kudos for Supervisor Don Gage for steering the extra cash our way.
JEERS: For the decidedly mixed report cards for Gilroy’s schools. Eight Gilroy schools did not meet their Academic Performance Index goals. The API represents the state’s main measure for marking progress toward student proficiency. What’s most vexing is the inconsistency. Six Gilroy schools, for example, not only made their API goals but leapt ahead. Antonio del Buono, Rod Kelley and Brownell Academy jumped forward by 25, 18 and 17 points, respectively. Identifying the factors in that success will be key to making improvements. Is it leadership, school spirit and commitment, curriculum? That’s a task for Superintendent Edwin Diaz and the entire school district staff.
CHEERS: For Dave and Valerie Vanni, owners of Solis Winery on Hecker Pass Highway, who have a dramatic facelift planned for their vineyard property. The Vannis have submitted plans to completely revamp the tasting room at Solis in hopes of carving a new culinary niche for their business. If the plans are approved the Vannis will have a new kitchen and a cozy place to wine and dine 25 people – not to mention a new glass wall that will take full advantage of the picturesque views.
JEERS: For the notion that an Indian casino is somehow reparation for past wrongs. Four Indians in an out-of-town tribe would be the gateway for a cadre of investors, attorneys and management companies to make a whole lot of money. Now clearly there are possible side benefits to the community. Investors, for example, might fund the building of our community arts and cultural center downtown. Or maybe we could squeeze out a sports park as a concession. But the point is that the premise upon which Indian casinos are being built is a bunch of hogwash.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy High School football team which will kick off its season tonight at
7:30 in Mustang Stadium against a Burlingame High squad led by talented quarterback Drew Schiller. That aerial onslaught should be quite an opening test for the Mustangs. Good luck!
