The good news is that the cheerleaders learned quite a lesson in
representative democracy, a lesson that clearly none of them will
ever forget
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the Gilroy High School cheerleaders, who have clearly learned a lesson in democracy that can’t be taught in the classroom. After being denied their trip to Hawaii to perform at the NFL Pro Bowl, they sprang into action and rallied support around their cause. A 5-2 thumbs-down vote from the Gilroy Unified School District Board turned into a 6-0 vote to reconsider the request to miss three days of school for the trip. Now, if that parental and student energy could only be channeled into helping GHS improve in other areas, a serious turnaround would not be far away.
CHEERS: For the decrease in college tuition at California’s community colleges. A good deal just got $6 per unit better. Gavilan College is a wonderful resource for the South County, and now it’s even more affordable.
JEERS: For the person – presumably a student – who sent a threatening, hate-filled e-mail to a Gilroy High School teacher. Let’s find that person, criminally prosecute them and expel them from our school district. Young people make stupid mistakes, but this e-mail crosses way over the line. Hopefully, the Gilroy Police Department will have comforting news for the teachers at GHS as well as the community when this person is tracked down and disciplined.
CHEERS: For Mayor Al Pinheiro, who has committed to taking the $126 million city budget “on the road.” He’s doing four presentations at schools for interested residents during October (see schedule in today’s local briefs section, page A5). If you’ve got a budget question, now’s the time to go see Al.
JEERS: For the pending rent increases at Velladao Mobile Home Park, the place formerly riddled with raw sewage and electrical code problems. Isn’t that the way it always works …
JEERS: For the news that the union representing Gilroy teachers is pointing to a recent salary increase for Morgan Hill teachers and saying “me, too!” The cycle has to be broken so that teacher salaries are tied to student performance in a way that makes sense.
JEERS: For the Gilroy City Council, which has dawdled around with crafting a noise ordinance for months. A meeting Monday, hopefully, will produce some thrust. Gilroy residents should be protected from unwelcome noise that exceeds reasonable levels. There are plenty of good model ordinances out there.
