The following organizations and individuals deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the new effort to form a Gilroy Sister City
Association complete with nonprofit status and a formal
mission.
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the new effort to form a Gilroy Sister City Association complete with nonprofit status and a formal mission. Mayor Al Pinheiro is spearheading the organizational push aimed at formalizing Gilroy’s welcoming spirit and promoting the relationship with our five sister cities. Pinheiro envisions a “Sister City Row” at the Garlic Festival which would include food and representatives from the cities. There’s an event Feb. 19 to raise money for the effort. Tickets to the International Buffet Dinner and Auction at the Portugese Hall are $25. Details: 842-4619.
JEERS: For the filing of an unfair labor practices claim by the teachers union against the Gilroy Unified School District. Anytime an employer-employee relationship gets to this point – especially when it’s affecting the education of our children – it’s too bad.
CHEERS: For the order issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board that gives Olin Corp., polluters of the groundwater in Morgan Hill and San Martin, one year to produce an effective clean-up. It’s about time, but at least the course is clear and binding.
JEERS: For San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales who ignores economic reality while pursuing unnecessary development in the Coyote Valley.
JEERS: For the abysmal math scores posted by Gilroy High students. Consider these facts from reporter Katie Niekerk’s story: “The average student in ninth-grade Algebra AA performed at the fifth-grade level both in the spring and the winter. The average student in Algebra A, the next step up, performed at the sixth-grade level in both test periods” … and … “San Benito High School … is twice as proficient in algebra (as GHS).” Those are stunning statistics that scream for accountability.
CHEERS: For the scores of English Language Learners which have jumped in Gilroy Unified. In 2001, only 20 percent of students passed the proficiency mark. Last year, 45 percent met the goal. That’s a significant increase, and though Gilroy is a tad behind the county and state, the good news represents a revamped bilingual education program that’s clearly working.
CHEERS: For Gilroy High’s boys basketball and girls soccer teams. Both are heading for the playoffs with teams that are making progress. That’s a tribute to coaches and players.
