Downtown Parking Nonsense Really Has One Resident Steamed at City

Dear Editor,
I am writing regarding the so-called improvements downtown and
to raise more questions about parking. Before the
”
improvements,
”
there were a few handicapped parking spaces that disappeared
with the improvements; someone has already called Red Phone about
that.
Downtown Parking Nonsense Really Has One Resident Steamed at City

Dear Editor,

I am writing regarding the so-called improvements downtown and to raise more questions about parking. Before the “improvements,” there were a few handicapped parking spaces that disappeared with the improvements; someone has already called Red Phone about that.

When I went downtown in November to meet for lunch at the bowling alley, I slowed as I passed by the old handicapped spots out front. To my surprise, I couldn’t believe what I saw! Rather than go into a lengthy explanation, I am sending photos.

My source has stated that there is no parking within 14 feet of a fire hydrant. So now the situation has become one, not of when the handicapped parking will be re-painted, but where? What about the cars illegally parked in marked parking places?

I know fire hydrants are necessary, but wouldn’t a few feet north have been better? There is an abutment and crosswalk there, which would enable at least one of the parking spots to remain.

I know the folks who work for the city are busy, but I must say I wonder about common sense and basic care about how city money is being spent! I would guess that the city employee who explained that the handicapped parking would be added when the downtown “improvements” are completed, also brilliantly thinks it is okay to allow cars to park in marked parking spaces directly in front of a fire hydrant!

Out of curiosity, has the Gilroy Police Department tagged anyone yet? Perhaps the new traffic officer might want to have a word with the city engineer about the legalities of this parking scheme!

Now it is February, and the parking remains the same; people are still parking in front of the fire hydrant and there are no new handicapped parking spaces on Monterey.

All of those “improvements” seem to have made a mess out of downtown parking.

Heide Unger, Gilroy

Don’t Call the Punks Gangsters, Don’t You Know They Just Love That Term?

Dear Editor,

Why do you let this term (gangster) be published? These gang members (punks) probably love that term. Let’s find a proper name that fits their persona and doesn’t glorify them with this tag.

Let’s make them feel uncomfortable with a name that really suits them. Maybe we can begin with a public contest for a proper label.

Gary Velasco, Gilroy

Editor’s note: We’re all ears.