Dear Editor,
My wife and I have been driving around Gilroy recently enjoying
the rain and the green scenery. We’ve traveled up to Coyote Lake
and also the west hills of Gilroy on Highway 152 west. We were
struck by the explosion in the number of grape orchards all around
our city and their associated tasting rooms.
Beautiful scenery, winery explosion and what about Gilroy Gardens?
Dear Editor,
My wife and I have been driving around Gilroy recently enjoying the rain and the green scenery. We’ve traveled up to Coyote Lake and also the west hills of Gilroy on Highway 152 west. We were struck by the explosion in the number of grape orchards all around our city and their associated tasting rooms.
It seems like this is a nice little secret that is begging to get out and about (like Napa and Sonoma wine tasting trips). I’d like to suggest to our City Council members to consider working with the local wine vintners and the Gilroy Garden commissioners in regards to a marriage between them.
This would have the dual purpose of advertising our local wineries and the beautiful Gilroy gardens. This could attract other business’s to our area, restaurants, motels, etc. it if did take off.
With the success of the Garlic Festival, we obviously have the people talent to come up with ways and methods to determine if this has any merit.
Ron Kirkish, Gilroy
Best way to conserve water? End the crop subsidies for agriculture
Dear Editor,
In 1986, Marc Reisner wrote “Cadillac Desert”. He explained that 80 percent of California water is used by agriculture, and half of that is used to grow low-value crops like cotton, rice and animal feed. These crops could easily be grown in areas of high rainfall.
This would free up 40 percent of California water to keep our reservoirs full. The easiest way to accomplish this would be to reduce agricultural water subsidies. This has been resisted vigorously by growers of both high- and low-value crops.
Perhaps it is time for the growers of high value crops to consider a smaller profit margin in good years in order to avoid going out of business in times like these.
Robert Gilchrist, Hollister
The ‘drug’ problem in our society, unfortunately, is the wrong kind
Dear Editor,
It’s been a long time since I’ve written a letter to the editor. I was waiting on a friend the other day when I ran across the following. It sure brought back a lot memories from a time passed, when times where simpler and everyone knew where they stood in society:
“A drug lab was busted in a nearby town, the local newspaper reported, and many people where arrested for making methamphetamine in an old farm house. After reading the news a friend asked me, “Did we have a drug problem when we were kids?” I answered, yeah, I know I did. I was drug to church every Sunday morning … drug to weddings and funerals when they happen … I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by the ear when I was disrespectful to adults. I was drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I did not put out the best effort in everything that I did or was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word. I was drug out to cut the lawn, pull weeds, clean the yard and empty the garbage. I was drug to homes of family or some poor soul to help cut their lawn or chop some firewood, repair the clothesline, etc. … and if my mother found out that I took a tip or was paid a dime I was drug back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins. They effect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think.They are stronger and better than heroin, cocaine, crank, meth, or any other drug you can try. I wonder what America would be like today if they had my drug problem? A better place I reckon.”
The author is unknown.
Rick Mello, Gilroy
Now more important than ever to spay or neuter your family pet
Dear Editor,
Not even the family pet is immune to the effects of the recession. Foreclosures are forcing many families out of their homes and into apartments or other rental properties, some of which do not allow pets. Many people are forced to choose between paying for food and gas or paying for pet care. Shelters and rescue organizations are swelling with surrendered pets.
Even when the economy is booming, millions of cats and dogs are euthanized every year because there are not enough homes for them. Spaying and neutering dogs and cats at an early age is more important now than ever.
Not only does spaying and neutering help control the pet overpopulation problem, it helps dogs and cats live healthier lives and eliminates or reduces many health problems that are expensive and difficult to treat.
To avoid an unwanted litter and ensure a happier, healthier pet, spay or neuter your pet at six months of age. To obtain an appointment for spaying/neutering at the St. Francis of Assisi Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic (12000 Murphy Avenue, San Martin, 408-683-0866), you need to call two months in advance. Don’t adopt or purchase a pet on a whim. Pet care is a commitment for the life of the animal. Cats can live up to 20 years and dogs can live into their late teens.
Jayne Steinmetz, Gilroy
