‘Best of’ and beyond

The votes are tallied, and the anticipation builds: Who will Gilroy Dispatch readers select as this year’s best of?
With a bevy of Garlic Capital businesses to patronize from restaurants to boutiques, wineries to antiques, singling one out as the top crop can be a daunting task. That’s why we rely on our readers to hand-pick businesses that shine above and beyond to earn your favor in being named one of Gilroy’s best businesses of 2014. Peruse at this year’s “Best Of Gilroy 2014” section included in this issue.
At the core of Gilroy’s thriving businesses is the loyal patronage of the hundreds of customers who submitted printed ballots and online survey to name this year’s winners. Next time you’re out and about—whether it’s for this year’s Garlic Festival or in search of local treasures, be sure to beckon to the calling of the readers who have spoken loud and clear about who is the “Best of Gilroy 2014.”
Were you part of those who convened in the fight against cancer? This year copper thefts didn’t de-illuminate the 2014 Relay for Life event at Christmas Hill Park, which raised an estimated $110,000. Organizers said after a few re-arrangements, logistics turned out for the better by introducing a superior way of locating the campsites with a 90 degree clockwise rotation. That’s according to outgoing chairman Manuel Haro, who said the changes came with praises from this year’s 321 registered participants and 44 teams, along with hundreds of supporters.
Check out this week’s story in the Dispatch, “Changes in store for Gilroy Police” by City Reporter Chris Foy, which details the outcome of labor union negotiations dating back to last April involving police and fire. Both will get two percent raises, if approved by council next Monday, and another two percent raise in 2015. What’s really significant: Most police officers will have to move to the 12.5-hour shift schedules (what was recommended in a recent staffing study and championed by Police Chief Denise Turner). It will be interesting to see how many officers will accept $1,000 bonus offered by the City until the Sept. 1 deadline.
Calls are aplenty to the Dispatch newsroom about the closure of Orchard Supply Hardware. While inquiries to the store and its corporate office were not returned as of press time, we do know that at least one anonymous caller and likely many more will miss the staple westside household goods supplier. “They’ve been good people to the community since way back in the 1970s when they came to Gilroy. We needed something on the west side, and they filled that void. I wish they would stay, but you can’t blame ‘em.”
Fee generator or crime? Dissenting votes can be a treasure trove for good quotes, especially as November 2014 election time steadily approaches and accusations of crime surface. Disagreement exists amongst council members about the legitimacy of the tobacco proposed fees. City Councilman Peter Arrellano cast the dissenting vote with this to say: “To let the people who deal in an addictive drug just pay a one-time fee is, I think, criminal.” Gilroy City Council Chambers was a hot box of pressure as anti-illegal tobacco lobbyists challenged the City Council with a moral twist, “Tobacco license debate reignites,” Gilroy Dispatch, June 20. At least that’s the challenge put forth by Gilroy-based nonprofit Community Solutions CEO Erin O’Brien, who argued that it’s City Council’s moral responsibility to toughen enforcement.
How do you feel about the city’s tobacco ordinance? Is it time for the City to ramp up its anti-illegal tobacco efforts? Or are you fed up with overburdening tax regulations and fees? Check out our latest poll question: “Is it Gilroy City Council’s moral responsibility to toughen enforcement on tobacco by charging businesses an annual fee?
Now on to E-cigarette enthusiasts: keep your secondhand vapors to yourself, and that means rural areas, too. Starting July 24, you’ll get equal treatment as traditional tobacco smokers unincorporated Santa Clara County. The chain certainly does keep you two together: under the same law.
With July approaching, it’s that time of the year to start ramping up the enthusiasm for this year’s 2014 Gilroy Garlic Festival. Be sure to look for the annual “Garlic Festival Tab 2014” in the July 11 issue of the Gilroy Dispatch, where you will find maps, entertainment schedules, foodie features and much more.