The following individuals and organizations deserve either
thumbs up or thumbs down this week:
Thumbs up: For Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage who is
calling for the dismantling of the bungling state agency,
Caltrans.
The following individuals and organizations deserve either thumbs up or thumbs down this week:
Thumbs up: For Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage who is calling for the dismantling of the bungling state agency, Caltrans. He’s right. Highway projects take years longer than necessary to plan and start – even when there is funding – and projects completed by private contractors like the U.S. 101 widening through Coyote Valley are more often on time and under budget.
THUMBS DOWN: For the Gilroy Unified School District’s STAR test scores which reflected virtually no progress and in numerous cases declined. What’s needed is a thorough analysis and inquiry aimed at identifying classrooms that have continually bucked the trend. The search for best practices within GUSD should be on in earnest and those practices should be demonstrated and replicated. The good news is that the attitude within the district is not one of dismay, but rather determination.
Thumbs up: For Santa Clara County Water District which is trying to clear Llagas Creek, a perennial floodwater channel, of an invasive giant reed, Arundo donax, which clogs the waterway. Keeping our creeks clean is the water district’s responsibility. This is a good example of taking charge. By the way, if you’ve have a creek that needs attention, here’s the number to call: Mala Magill, at 408.265.2607, ext. 2000.
THUMBS DOWN: For the downtown landowners who are putting the squeeze on the city over property the city wants to buy to build an arts and culture center. Fair negotiations, which the city has been trying to conduct, should yield reasonable results. But some of the property owners are being greedy. That leaves the city little choice but to exercise the power of eminent domain. Let’s hope further negotiations can reach a compromise. The properties in question are either dilapidated or just dirt, so hopefully the owners won’t be unrealistic in their demands.
Thumbs up: For the effort by Phill Laursen and the Gilroy Historical Society to restore Engine #760 which first sped down the streets of Gilroy in 1923 to save lives and homes. The fire engine will be a cool addition to parades, holiday celebrations and entertainment events. If you’d like to help the effort, contact Laursen at 847.1823. We can’t wait to see the old gal rolling down the block.
