Insider edition
If you think name-calling and scare tactics are big in the presidential election, check out the campaigns for and against Measure H in Gilroy, the ballot proposition that would require voter approval of development projects outside of borders it would establish.
A new mailer by the No on H campaign shows a photo of the downtown Fifth Street Gilroy mural marred by graffiti in what looks like an Asian language, something that one of the Yes people, Sandie Silva, says is “outright racist.” There’s another one, with what the Yes people say is a photo of Nigeria, next to Gilroy, claiming that’s what Gilroy can look like if the measure is passed.
Chamber of Commerce president Mark Turner said the graffiti image had nothing to do with racism, but was an example of potential crime, not related to any demographic. He said the dilapidated city in the picture wasn’t in Nigeria and again, had no racial implication.
The mailer claims the Yes on H people are running a “secret deal” and are “undemocratic” despite the fact that the measure calls for a vote by the people, rather than the City Council on growth.
Those for the measure, calling themselves Gilroy Growing Smarter, present two photos with the captions Yes on H and No on H. The yes half shows beautiful golden hillsides. The no side shows Highway 101 backed up for miles.
What’s your fear? Take your pick: Traffic? Devastation of downtown? Housing that costs the city in schools and services? We’ve got them all. At least we don’t have to worry about our locals picking Supreme Court justices.
New business?
Performance Food Group of Richmond, Virginia, has applied for a permit to build a large food delivery warehouse on the south end of town, just past the Garlic Farm Inn truck stop.
The company is looking to start with a 180,000-square-foot building and expand to 350,000 square feet over time. Their website says they provide 125,000 food products to 85,000 customers around the world, but they declined to confirm the new location.
It would be the second large food warehouse in Gilroy, along with UNFI, which has a 450,000-square-foot facility also on the southeast side of town.
Performance Food Group was bought for $1.3 billion in 2008 by Wellspring Capital Management and the Blackstone Group. It went public in 2015.
Out of business?
We were sad to see the going out of business signs on Econo Furniture at Sixth and Monterey streets. Any business going out of business is depressing, but we were constantly amused by the holiday sale signs on the place, which don’t always correspond to the correct season. They had a Memorial Day sign up around Christmas time.
Celebrate Halloween at the Outlets from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. The first 500 costumed children under 12 that check in at Simon Guest Services in Building C, will receive a free trick-or-treat bag, glow-in-the-dark necklace, candy and other goodies. Children are invited to trick-or-treat at participating retailers. This event is free of charge and children must be accompanied by an adult.
