E-mail screening, more tow truck scam charges and a discussion
on the achievement gap make this week’s Gilroy hot list
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the revelation that emails sent to City Council members and the mayor via the city’s Web site were being screened and forwarded instead of going directly to the elected representatives. No, it’s not the end of the world or a major scandal like the police chief’s secret retirement, but it is disingenuous and clearly was an administrative policy decision that, at the very least, delayed information coming from residents who believed they were sending information directly to their representatives.
CHEERS: For the big garlic delivery – 1,000 pounds of Christopher Ranch’s finest – to winning Chef Tony Baker at Montrio Bistro in Monterey. The Garlic Showdown chef competition is a fun addition to the Garlic Festival and this is a splash of publicity that puts a smile on you face.
JEERS: For Santa Clara County supervisors who decided to, essentially, not make a decision regarding a new feral cat policy, leaving in place the current policy. It’s amazing how politically charged policies related to animals can become. But this decision should be rooted in fact not emotion. Good people have compassion for pets, and nobody likes putting animals to sleep, but the solution is certainly not a policy that would nurture feral cat colonies.
CHEERS: For the Islamic community in South County which is welcoming the public Saturday evening at the San Martin Lion’s Club, 12415 Murphy Ave., at 5:15pm to discuss the plans to build a community center in San Martin and to introduce people who are behind the effort. It’s a good faith effort to promote understanding.
JEERS: For the scam tow truck operators story that keeps on getting worse. More criminal charges have been filed against Vincent Cardinalli and his son, Paul Stephen Greer, in San Benito County. The scam charges against the pair keep growing, and it’s amazing how they allegedly used the system with impunity to bilk often unsuspecting people.
CHEERS: For the Taste of Morgan Hill this weekend, a fine hometown event in its 18th year. Saturday and Sunday downtown Morgan Hill will come alive with wine, food, music and interesting business services. It’s a fun, model community event that is admission free.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Unified School District Board which is openly and honestly airing an issue about closing the “achievement gap.” Clearly exploring what that means exactly is resulting in a healthy and worthwhile discussion.
