JEERS: For the California Highway Patrol for punishing local
farmers by ticketing trucks that are legal on federal highways and
not legal on California roads because the state hasn’t aligned its
laws.
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the California Highway Patrol for punishing local farmers by ticketing trucks that are legal on federal highways and not legal on California roads because the state hasn’t aligned its laws. How ridiculously shortsighted. Wreaking havoc on local farmers trying to get their products to market, then proclaiming it’s the “letter of the law” is a poor excuse for targeted harassment. Catch the speeders flying down U.S. 101, or the racing motorcycles passing over double yellow lines on South County’s rural roads. Make a common sense decision, and get off the farmer’s backs.
CHEERS: For Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia. His team came up a bit short in the loss to New Orleans, but Gilroy’s favorite son played a gutsy game and assured himself that another NFL season under center is in his future. The Super Bowl dream lives.
JEERS: For the lackadaisical attitude of the City of Gilroy and the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustees regarding joint meetings. The front-burner issue of school facilities mitigation alone should be driving more meetings not less. For the good of the community, let’s get this fundamental communication exchange on the calendar and keep it there.
CHEERS: For Saturday’s opening of the dog park in Morgan Hill. The Community Park facility has been pushed through by a local resident’s group, and marks the first of its kind in South County. It’s a nice addition to the community, and no doubt will attract people from neighboring cities who will take their dogs to play and stop for a cup of coffee, etc. along the way.
JEERS: For the seemingly quick embracement of the Westfield Corporation at City Hall. Aren’t we missing something? Weren’t the 660 acres set aside for future development supposed to be for an industrial park that would bring high-paying jobs? Before our city drools and falls all over itself because the Valley Fair/Westridge mall owners are thinking about building a mega-mall here, let’s make sure that’s what our community wants.
CHEERS: For the end, hopefully, to the cold weather. Enough is enough and the heating bill next month is not going to be pretty.
CHEERS: For Gilroy Police Officer Nestor Quinones who has taken over the traffic patrol officer duties. Given our three pedestrian tragedies and the marked increase in traffic, the job is absolutely critical.
