Cheers: For a relatively quiet Fourth of July and the work of
firefighters and police who responded to more than 140 fireworks
related calls.
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the addition of genuine Gilroy garlic fries to Gourmet Alley. Now, there’s a move that makes absolute sense. Alan Heinzen’s recipe should draw some additional crowds to the Alley and the profits for the community should increase. How ’bout them garlic fries – perfect with an ice cold beer.
JEERS: For the Gilroy Unified School District’s arrangement with “retired” Brownell Middle School Principal Joe Di Salvo. Either Mr. Di Salvo should be retained based on merit for doing the job or dismissed for not doing the job. Here’s the point: The school district needs to consistently and fairly evaluate managers and retain or dismiss them based on performance. Is there anything more important?
CHEERS: For a relatively quiet Fourth of July and the work of firefighters and police who responded to more than 140 fireworks-related calls. And, cheers to all who celebrated in a patriotic fashion, whether at a block party with friends and family, or at Morgan Hill’s annual parade.
JEERS: For the mess that the Gilroy Hispanic Chamber of commerce is in with the state of California. Let’s get that paperwork straightened out so the organization can function properly.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors which flatly rejected the fanciful proposal for a mega-resort water park on Hecker Pass. At long last, there’s the opportunity to get it right with the beautiful piece of horticulture property formerly known as Bonfante Gardens. Careful and concerned decisions for the Gardens’ future will hopefully lead to a good outcome for Gilroy.
JEERS: For the school district’s inability to rein in costs for the new Christopher High School. First budgeted at about $39 million, the new school will now cost upwards of $100 million. To counteract a burgeoning facilities budget – which covers construction and repairs and is now estimated at $14.93 million – the district might need to delay installing athletic fields or furnishing unused rooms.
CHEERS: To new GUSD Superintendent Deborah Flores, who officially began work Thursday. Now, it’s time to get down to the business of educating our children.
