How’d they vote?
”
Could you please let us know how each city councilman voted on
seizing property by eminent domain? And if you know also how the
candidates for council stand on this issue. Thank you.
”
How’d they vote?
“Could you please let us know how each city councilman voted on seizing property by eminent domain? And if you know also how the candidates for council stand on this issue. Thank you.”
Red Phone:
The city council held three separate votes for each of the property owners who refused to sell land to the city needed for the future arts center. All seven council members voted in favor of eminent domain to acquire Loi Dong’s boarded up Chinese restaurant at 7347 Monterey St. In the votes to use eminent domain against the Gera and Oyao families, only councilman Craig Gartman dissented. A two-thirds majority of council – five members – is required to proceed with eminent domain.
In the months since the vote, the city has settled with the Oyao family without formally seizing the land, and expects to sign off on a deal with Dong on Monday night. Officials said they plan to move forward with eminent domain against the Gera family, though no court hearing has yet been held.
This and that
“Hello Red Phone goddess. You have become the equivalent of the town crier. I read your column first and I think you need more space and you need to be published more days. Thank you for the information on the Seattle man. I have a soft heart too and I appreciate the information. I wish you’d do a public service and find the correct procedure for a 4-way stop. It’s a mess in Gilroy. I’m making a left hand turn and people going straight wave me on. That’s not right. People going straight have the right of way. Some of these people, I don’t think they’ve seen a driver’s handbook, so this might be their first opportunity to find out what is right.
“And on that note, I wish people knew that littering is not only a fine, it is a moving violation and they can get insurance points against them. The chick in the convertible on Santa Teresa who threw a burning cigarette out, she should know that. And anybody who litters, I honk my horn. I really enjoyed doing that on Santa Teresa to the two young men who proceeded to flip me off and curse me out. But they did open the door and pick up their litter.
“When people drive, they shouldn’t think they’re invisible. … People shouldn’t assume anonymity when they’re driving. Gilroy’s a great town but it’s just getting so nasty out there. … Kisses, thanks so much. I love having this column and I love reading it.”
Red Phone:
Although it’s a little shy about accepting such praise, Red Phone thanks you. And you gave it a good laugh when it pictured two young litterers picking up their trash after being caught in the act.
About the 4-way stop issue, the Red Phone is glad to oblige. It checked the Department of Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook and Vehicle Code and although it didn’t find anything regarding a driver headed straight versus turning, it did find the following:
In unit 07.A.11(08): At intersections with 4-way stop signs, stop first, then yield to the vehicle that arrived first or to the vehicle on your right if you arrive at the same time as other vehicles.
Pretty simple, Red Phone thinks. Drivers, be safe – and courteous – out there.
A smile a day …
“I have a complaint about the man who complained about the Halloween lighted face that was up in the air. That was a shame. That was a beacon, a happy thing to see when I came in at 6:30 in the morning, it gave us a happy feeling. I think it’s sad that people have to complain about things like that.”
Red Phone:
Amusing, caller, that a balloon representing the scariest holiday of the year brought you such joy! Though the Red Phone thought that massive pumpkin balloon was more suited for say, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it appreciates your call. But keep in mind, it wasn’t removed, simply lowered according to the city ordinance. With Halloween over, Red Phone hopes it won’t see this issue again for another year.
Readers: Call the Red Phone at 842-9070 or e-mail it at
re******@gi************.com
.
