The following organizations and individuals deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS:
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the Santa Clara County Supervisors who are non-committal on whether to order an impartial analysis of the land-use initiative that has qualified for the November ballot. It’s a no-brainer, and, thankfully, South County’s representative, Supervisor Don Gage, is not waffling on this question. Ordering an impartial analysis will give the public and the supervisors valuable information on two critical subjects. First, if voters pass the initiative, what impact will it have on property tax revenues? For the county, there’s no such thing as a drop in the bucket these days. Second, what, if any, legal exposure might the county face if the measure passes? An impartial analysis will answer those questions and be worth every nickel.
CHEERS: For the graduates of Gilroy High School and Mt. Madonna and their families. Congratulations. Celebrate your achievement wisely, and keep working hard at whatever is the next stop on your life’s journey.
JEERS: For the 5:30am 4.7 temblor that shook plenty of South Valley residents out of their slumber Thursday morning. What a lousy way to start the day. The good news is that the quake should serve as a reminder to those who do not have an earthquake kit at home. Get one, be prepared.
CHEERS: For the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which held the line on water rate increases for local farmers and made an intelligent decision about partnering with the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau on a water quality program that can help reduce water consumption. Given the incessant rise in fuel prices, farmers needed a break. The SCVWD came through.
JEERS: For Fresno State University, which announced its decision to drop its wrestling program Thursday. Outstanding Gilroy High wrestlers Armando Gonzalez and Adin Dueñas committed to Fresno State. The university called the “adjustment” necessary for financial reasons. Nice timing, FSU. That’s the kind of decision that needs to be made giving consideration to timing that allows student athletes to make alternative decisions. But the Bulldogs are all about the money, clearly, not the students.
CHEERS: For the City Council, which upped the ante for illegal fireworks use and gave the police department an enforceable ordinance at the same time. A violation could cost a resident $750. For fire safety and to protect those who now enjoy setting off legal fireworks on the Fourth of July, the Council did the right thing.
