The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Police Officers Association which took a measured, thoughtful and strong stand decrying the secret retirements of Police Chief Gregg Giusiana and Assistant Chief Lanny Brown. The last line in the letter (published in its entirety on this page to the right) is particularly poignant. “Moreover, we find that this decision was made of design and not by mistake or miscalculation, and it is this fact that is the most troublesome.” There is a veritable ocean of “hoopla” in this community over this sordid and revealing set of decisions, and for good reason. If City Council members dismiss this statement as merely union politics they would be sorely mistaken. There is serious damage that needs to be repaired and this union statement did not come as a knee-jerk reaction. It expresses sincere and unfortunate discontent.
CHEERS: For Gavilan College English professor Katherine Maxwell, who will speak at Oxford University in England on the subject of effective methods for teaching students a second language. That’s quite an honor. We look forward to reporting more on her visit to the 2007 Oxford Round Table.
CHEERS: For Gilroy High School senior Kelly Perkins who has landed a partial scholarship to the University of Pacific to play field hockey for the Tigers. UOP is one of only a handful of universities that offers field hockey on the West Coast, and Ms. Perkins wanted to stay close. She joins teammate Erin Magill, who earned a partial scholarship to UC Berkeley to play field hockey. Very impressive and a real salute, also, to the dedicated coaching duo of Erin and Adam Gemar.
CHEERS: For Congressional representatives Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) and Mike Honda (D-Campbell), who voted for four “Sunshine Bills” aimed at increasing transparency in government. It is a constant battle to keep government – whether local, state or federal – from conducting the people’s business behind closed doors. Striking a blow for open government is striking a blow for freedom.
JEERS: For the skyrocketing temperatures this early in the season. If Mother Nature would just slow it down a bit that would be fine. Temperatures in the 80s this time of year that break 47-year-old records give us the chills – we certainly don’t want a 105-degree Garlic Festival in July.
CHEERS: For Ascension Solorsano Middle School which earned distinction from the state as a distinguished school by registering huge gains on test scores. Congratulations again to a staff and student body which has done an outstanding job. You make Gilroy proud.
