I thought we banned cell phones while driving? Well, will
somebody tell these kids that?
Hang Up and Drive
Dear Red Phone:
I thought we banned cell phones while driving? Well, will somebody tell these kids that? These kids drive all over town just talking, talking, talking into their cell phones and hardly paying attention to their driving. And most of them aren’t even good drivers anyway. It makes me crazy. Why aren’t they getting pulled over?
Red Phone:
Dear Driving Miss Crazy:
You’re right, the state of California was the fourth state to ban motorists from holding cell phones while driving to prevent driver distraction. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law legislation in September, but the law does not go into effect until July 2008. The bill, SB 1613, prohibits people from driving while using a hand-held cell phone. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. have similar laws.
Not Into Clubbing
Dear Red Phone:
Hi. I am calling about the Krazy Koyote. We should all look at the fact that downtown has other places like it – the Rilo Nilo and El Tenampa. It’s not a family atmosphere. We need to change it. It’s just like a nightclub. It’s a place for Mexican people to go and drink and dance. People need to look at that. That is a terrible thing. I’ve seen a lot of things go on downtown, where it’s not a family atmosphere. You don’t even feel like going down there because you are too scared of what could happen.
Red Phone:
Dear Down on Town:
Recent violent incidents in the parking lot of Krazy Koyote have helped taint the image of Gilroy’s downtown at night. And, you’re right, it doesn’t seem like much of a family place. It could certainly be cleaned up and made safer. But, night clubs simply existing is not necessarily a terrible thing. Although a rough and rowdy atmosphere isn’t the ideal, downtown need a nightlife to get people out-and-about and generate revenue. A nightlife – with drinking and dancing at clubs – thrives in fine cities all over the world.
MORE SIDEWALK TALK
Dear Red Phone:
I think it’s terrible that the city is doing what they’re doing. It’s Mayor Al Pinheiro’s fault. If the city makes you plant a tree – they plant it themselves, they go and plant a tree – and that tree goes and it uproots the sidewalk, it’s their fault for planting the tree. Couldn’t the homeowner sue the city because it’s their fault for uprooting the sidewalk? If I was a judge I would give it to the homeowners. Did they ever think of that? When I lived in town they forced a tree on me, and I said I didn’t want it and I was going to pull it up. They said if I did they would fine me thousands of dollars. And I said, “oh boy, I gotta get out of here.” They caused the problem, and they should deal with the consequence. It’s their fault. They’re the one who is causing all the problems.
Red Phone:
Dear Root of Problem:
The sidewalk issue has Red Phone ringing off the hook. Many like you are upset about the City Council’s recent decision to make homeowners responsible for repairing sidewalks. It’s a hot debate for the upcoming election. Keep your eye on the Dispatch as we investigate all the cracks in this sidewalk ordinance and what the candidates think about it as the election draws nearer.
