The following organizations and individuals deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the re-opening of downtown Gilroy. Early reports say the streetscape looks sharp and is clearly an important piece in the revitalization puzzle. Mayor Al Pinheiro deserves a hearty handshake for all his hard work on this issue. It’s not been an easy six months, but in the long run it will be worth the pain. Now let’s get out there and support those downtown businesses again.
JEERS: For the design of the new Gilroy police station. It’s just plain ugly. So much for the concept of having a campus-like city center. First, the ridiculous price tag – almost $30 million – and now the ruination of the neighborhood atmosphere. Nice campus.
CHEERS: For the revival of the Passport Weekend by area vintners. South County’s quaint and steadily improving wineries are a real treasure and a wonderful alternative to the snooty Napa area. Market and grow the local business with the help of area chambers and the Gilroy Visitor’s Bureau, tap the regional population for bigger events and the word will spread.
JEERS: For Gilroy Unified School District Trustee David McRae’s “legal” presentation warning his fellow board members of a possible “illegal” vote. His insistent pontificating on this ludicrous point, in the face of expert opinion to the contrary, and his boorish behavior at the meeting set an embarrassing precedent.
CHEERS: For the Garcia family, who are opening the spooky haunted house tonight at the old Wal-Mart building. What a great idea for a seasonal treat in an empty building.
CHEERS: For Teen Read Week that begins this weekend at the Gilroy library. It’s a national event to promote teen reading, and the local library is in full support. Stop by 7387 Rosanna St. with your teen and pick up a good book.
JEERS: For the City Council’s lack of clarity regarding establishing a noise ordinance. Gilroy residents deserve a fair remedy when noise becomes intolerable that relies on a verifiable measuring stick.
