Memorial Day is a wonderful tradition in Gilroy which starts
with solemnity and ends with hometown fun. Our fallen veterans
would approve
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the wonderful Gilroy Memorial Day tradition. First, the veterans are honored in a solemn ceremony at St. Mary Parish Cemetery on First Street, then the freedoms that many soldiers fought and died to protect are enjoyed in a homespun event which starts with a great parade. School marching bands, kids on bicycles, mounted patrol officers and more will begin the festivities at the train depot before heading down Monterey Street. Afterward from 1 to 4pm there are family fun activities at Christmas Hill Park. Don’t forget before you leave to take in the parade to raise the flag. It is the very least we can do to pay tribute to those who died and their families.
JEERS: For the lack of communication about the brazen and violent rape of a 16-year-old Gilroy girl that took place Tuesday afternoon on the Uvas Creek Levee behind Gilroy High School. Direct and clear contact with the school district from the police department is crucial. The detectives can’t be expected to do this – they’re swamped with trying to gather the facts and catch the rapist. There has to be a series of fail-safe communication procedures in place at the Gilroy Police Department to notify the public, and when it’s clearly relevant, as in this case, the schools.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy High School baseball and softball teams. The baseball team bowed out in the CCS semifinals to Valley Christian, but not without giving the heavily favored Warriors a gritty battle. The playoff runs have given the Mustangs and this community plenty to be proud of.
CHEERS: For Las Animas School third grade teacher Carmen Kotto who goes the extra two miles for her students. Employing unconventional teaching methods and dedication far beyond ordinary, Kotto is getting results and making things happen in a school that doesn’t have the “right demographics.” She’s focused on success, and doing what it takes to make it happen. Thank you, Ms. Kotto, you are indeed inspiring.
CHEERS:For the Gilroy City Council which is pushing through a social host ordinance designed to stop parents from serving alcohol to minors at their home. Some Gilroy parents have condoned and even encouraged drinking at home in the past. That behavior now could result in a hefty $2,000 fine which, of course, is far less tragic than a teen being killed in a post-graduation party car crash. Let’s hope this new city law raises awareness.
