Blaze has consumed millions and all because someone carelessly
lit an illegal fire
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the news that the Lick Fire, expected to burn an incredible 30,000 wilderness acres in and around Coe Park, started from someone lighting an illegal fire in a burn barrel. Wow … millions of dollars up in smoke because of one person’s carelessness. That’s such a shame, and certainly leaves the door open for criminal charges.
CHEERS: For the weary and valiant fire fighters who have trudged through the tough terrain to contain the blaze in Coe Park. Cheers, too, for all the kind-hearted Gilroyans who have brought treats and staples to the firefighting “troops” stationed at Christmas Hill Park.
JEERS: For the ongoing saga between the City of Morgan Hill, the American Institute of Mathematics Golf Course and Conference Center and environmental groups in the area. The city for years turned a blind eye to electronic retail magnate John Fry’s proposed development, despite complaints from neighbors and environmental groups. What’s done as far as earth moving and environmental damage is done, but what needs to happen now is serious negotiations to mitigate what’s been done and appease environmental groups. If that doesn’t happen a lawsuit could delay the project for years.
CHEERS: For the new cooking school for children business opened in downtown Gilroy. The Young Chef’s Academy is fun and educational, teaching the life-long skill of cooking. Two sisters, Lisa Muzzio and Lia Peterson, opened the doors in August, and they need more young chefs. It’s just the kind of unique business that downtown needs, so …
JEERS: For the report that 11 of 12 Gilroy Unified School District schools failed to meet the prescribed state academic growth targets. Clearly, it’s going to take a re-focusing of efforts to move the schools ahead. On the positive side were Las Animas School and South Valley Middle School which make significant 27 and 26 point jumps, respectively. Hats off to the staffs at those schools and principals Sylvia Reyes and John Perales.
CHEERS: For the long-awaited ground breaking for the Gilroy Center for the Arts. Though symbolic in nature – since there is no building in progress at the corner of Seventh and Monterey streets downtown – the ceremony is a clear indication regarding the resolve of the arts community to see this project through. Hopefully, there won’t be a lot of tap dancing from City Council candidates this fall when asked about the issue.
