Jeers for the overcrowded situation at the library and the fact
that no relief is in sight in the city budget.
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS to the more than 2,500 Gilroy High School students who packed the stands of the Garcia-Elder complex last week for a welcome-back rally. Getting kids involved in their school, building camaraderie and pride, spills into wanting to come to school and being a part of a learning environment. “If we can get kids here, we can get them interested in something,” said Julie Berggren, student activities director.
JEERS to city councilmen, who in approving the final 191 residential development ordinances earlier this week, also voted to “borrow against the future” by guaranteeing additional units come 2014 to two developers. The city has already surpassed the number of allotments allowed under law through 2013, and now is giving away future permits. The decision took place despite the fact the council has not determined the future of the allocation process.
CHEERS to Gilroy High School graduate Josh Arribere, who made his official debut as drum major for the University of California, Berkeley and led the 231-member marching band onto the field against the University of Tennessee Volunteers. “It felt great to show the band off to 72,516 people as the performance organization that it is, and it’s amazing to think that the band performed in front of almost twice the population of my hometown that day,” he told Dispatch columnist Kat Teraji.
JEERS for the overcrowded situation at the library, and the fact that no relief is in sight in the city budget.
CHEERS for the South Valley Islamic Community’s upcoming open house from 5 to 8pm Saturday, Sept. 29, at the San Martin Lions Club, 12415 Murphy Ave. Perhaps those who oppose the group’s proposed mosque on the basis of religion will take the opportunity to learn more about the faith of those folks whose constitutional rights they want to trample.
CHEERS for what promises to be a great wine harvest. The relatively mild summer temperatures helped pump up grapes’ sugar content without scorching the fruit. “It should be quite a good season,” said Tim Slater, owner of Sarah’s Vineyard, which began harvesting pinot noir last week.
JEERS for news that the local spinach industry is still reeling from last year’s E. coli outbreak and the government hasn’t done anything to increase inspections. Even though some farms have increased tests to appease processors to which they sell spinach under the new Leafy Green Marketing Agreement, the outbreak cost local growers up to $6 million. The E coli outbreak sickened more than 200 people and killed three nationwide.
CHEERS for news that The Ghost will get to fight in a big Las Vegas venue after all.
