JEERS for the vandals who defiled the chapel at St. Mary’s
Church with satanic symbols and foul language. Many use the chapel
and the grotto just outside to pray, seek comfort and reflect
during difficult times in their lives. When those with dark hearts
cause such emotional and financial destruction it does more than
compromise the accessibility of the chapel, it strikes at the core
of our tolerant and free society. Perhaps cameras are the answer.
But it’s no substitute for character, something the vandals do not
have.
JEERS for the vandals who defiled the chapel at St. Mary’s Church with satanic symbols and foul language. Many use the chapel and the grotto just outside to pray, seek comfort and reflect during difficult times in their lives. When those with dark hearts cause such emotional and financial destruction it does more than compromise the accessibility of the chapel, it strikes at the core of our tolerant and free society. Perhaps cameras are the answer. But it’s no substitute for character, something the vandals do not have.
CHEERS for Bobby and Jeff Garcia. Quarterback Jeff came back home to South County to sponsor a “fun”-raising event at Morgan Hill Bowl for Community Solutions and battered women’s services. Meanwhile, Coach Bobby learned he will be enshrined in the Junior College Hall of Fame. Well done.
JEERS for the Gilroy Firefighters union which is, apparently, going to turn a deaf ear to the city’s request for extended contract concessions. There are back-to-back 1.5 percent increases in the current contract. That, with other benefit increases, means a 9 or 10 percent cost to the city. Gilroy cannot afford to continue paying these out-of-control increases.
CHEERS for the Santa Clara Valley Water District which is holding the line on groundwater rate increases for the coming year. Rates will stay at $16.50 per acre foot (enough water to cover one acre one foot deep) for agriculture and $275 per acre foot for all other uses. Yes, the district is facing a Proposition 218 protest election which, if enough well owners protest, would cost the district $9 million annually, but at least there is no display of arrogance during these tough economic times. In past years with the water district, that might not have been the case.
JEERS for the deep and disturbing school budget cuts. When $7 million has to be carved from the budget so heavily laden with salary costs, there’s not much else to do but cut positions. Trustees, however, should pinch every penny even when the exercise is somewhat excruciating. If having administrators turn in actual car mileage reports rather than receiving a set stipend could save $30,000 per year, look into it. That nose-to-the-grindstone leadership will pay off in morale stability and respect during these difficult times.
CHEERS for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. The enjoyable community event raises money for St. Joseph’s Family Center, the organization that tends to the needy. Tickets for the Saturday, March 13 event: 842-6662.
