Bill would give water board more discretion
Sacramento – A bill that would restore the rights of San Martin residents to receive bottled water even if their wells test below the state’s health goal for perchlorate will not be considered until next year.
AB 1421, by John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, would give regional water boards more discretion to set standards for replacement drinking water. It was introduced in response to a state order jeopardizing some bottled water delivery in San Martin.
The central Coast Regional Water Resources Control Board had ordered bottled water for residents whose wells tested at 4 parts per billion or higher, but the state board said water could be ordered only for wells testing higher than 6 parts per billion, the health goal.
“Though the path to a solution may be complex, I support the residents who continue to be rightfully focused on the simple goal of the cleanup of their contaminated water supply,” Laird said.
Resolution urges schools to purchase defibrillators
Sacramento – A resolution by Assemblyman Simón Salinas (D-Salinas) that would urge all K-12 schools in California to purchase defibrillators for public use is headed to the floor of the state Senate.
An increasing number of agencies and businesses are implementing automated external defibrillator (AED) programs that make available an easy-to-use, portable device that uses electric shock to reset the abnormal rhythm of the heart caused by sudden cardiac arrest.
The lightweight devices are placed in highly visible areas and provide instructions that walk the user through the defibrillation process.
Six other states that have passed laws encouraging the use of AEDs on school campuses, Pennsylvania provides funding for some school districts, and New York state mandates that all schools have an AED.
State Superintendent O’Connell visits MH
Morgan Hill – State Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell joined Morgan Hill School District Superintendent Alan Nishino and School Board trustees in the Sobrato High gym to welcome back district employees.
“This is a new school year, a new beginning in leadership, and I’m extremely enthusiastic about Dr. Nishino being a part of our team,” School Board President Shellé Thomas told the crowd perched on Sobrato’s new bleachers. “We believe we have found a leader who can accomplish and complete our vision of success for all students.”
The speeches were upbeat, the applause was frequent and laughter flowed freely as both Nishino and O’Connell demonstrated their excellent pubic speaking skills and abilities to hold a crowd’s interest.
O’Connell joked about some of his “first day on the job” experiences, speaking particularly to new teachers when he told them what happened his first day as a teacher.
“I wrote my name on the board, ‘Mr. O’Connell, Government,’ and turned to the full classroom, introduced myself and said, ‘If you’re not supposed to be in Government, you can leave,'” he said. “The entire class stood and walked out; I was in the wrong room.”
He was in the right room Friday – a room that buzzed with excitement as teachers and district staff waited for O’Connell’s appearance.
Other Morgan Hill officials joined the crowd of exuberant classified workers, teachers and administrators, including City Councilman Greg Sellers and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dan Ehrler, along with a representative from Assemblyman John Laird’s office and San Jose City Councilman Forrest Williams.
Bike ride in Gilroy foothills
Gilroy – Exercise your lungs and legs while exploring nature and new park trails on a 10-mile ride with a park ranger through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch from 8 to 11am Sunday.
Bring a mountain bike, helmet, spare tube, pump and plenty of water. Experienced riders only, reservations required.
Details: 842-7800.
Send news items to City Editor Robert Airoldi. FAX to 842-2206, mail to Gilroy Dispatch, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020, or e-mail ed****@****ic.com
