According to history, the idea for Grad Night originated more
than 35 years ago in Valencia, California, after a graduating
senior from Valencia High School tragically died in an
alcohol-related driving accident.
Dear Editor,
According to history, the idea for Grad Night originated more than 35 years ago in Valencia, California, after a graduating senior from Valencia High School tragically died in an alcohol-related driving accident. Grad Night evolved from the idea that graduates, on the night of their graduation, need to be kept away from alcohol, cars and the fateful twists that can bring them together.
Gilroy High School has successfully accomplished this goal for the last 15 years. In order to reach this goal, we rely solely upon the cooperation and unending dedication of our parents, friends, businesses and community as a whole.
Since last fall, we have witnessed this effort being put forth and thought of an affordable way our entire community could become involved. Even though we are teenagers, we are aware of our economic times and that is why we are respectfully asking that every person in every household donate $1 to Grad Night 2009. If you and your family would like to become involved, your deeply appreciated donations can be sent to: GHS GRAD NIGHT 2009, P.O. Box 545, Gilroy, CA 95021-0545.
On behalf of the Class of 2009, we want to express our sincerest appreciation for what our parents, business community and organizations have done already to make this a safe and memorable occasion. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Marla Tomorug, Kyle Tomorug, Jonathan Higgins, Kaitlyn Kroeger, Joe Morton, Justin Botill, Class of 2009
Police Officers Association deeply committed to work with the city
Dear Editor,
The Gilroy Police Officers Association is deeply committed to our effort to work with the city of Gilroy in a professional and respectful way to help solve this budget crisis.
We understand that everyone needs to be part of the solution and everyone needs to make sacrifices. That’s why we’re working with the City Council and its staff to shave more than $1 million dollars from the budget to avoid layoffs that could cause a staffing crisis.
We believe that good faith negotiating must be a two-way street. Mayor Al Pinheiro and The Dispatch Editorial Board have had ample opportunity to make their positions clear on budget cuts and proposals that will reduce our crime-fighting capabilities. Now, the men and women fighting crime and violence in Gilroy deserve to have their views heard as well.
For cops on the beat, there’s much more at stake here than dollars and cents. Consider the facts:
Per capita, Gilroy officer staffing levels are far below the recommended national standard of 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents. Our officers are the second lowest compensated in the county. Four non-sworn officers have already been laid off and the department reluctantly let go its graffiti abatement officer whose work was very important to residents and businesses.
Several officers are leaving for jobs in other departments and several more are considering the same. With hiring already frozen, these are dangerous conditions that we should all be working hard to avoid.
In the coming days, we hope that our negotiations will continue to move in a positive direction based on good faith and mutual respect. Our shared goal must be a sound plan to solve this budget deficit while protecting public safety. And by working together we’re confident that we can set the groundwork for more tough decisions ahead.
Mitch Madruga, president, Gilroy Police Officers Association
Wildlife Rehab Center has to move date of annual BBQ/auction
Dear Editor,
The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center regrets that due to low ticket sales and the economic climate, we have postponed our BBQ/auction scheduled for this Saturday, May 30 at the Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center.
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience. The barbecue-auction has been rescheduled for October. We’re optimistic that the economy will improve and better ticket sales will make the event a financial success so we can continue our life-saving work caring for our local native wildlife strictly on donations.
To follow W.E.R.C.’s adventures read Colleen Grzan’s “Animal of the Month” wildlife stories published monthly in this newspaper and online visit South Valley Pet Blogs for weekly updates on happenings, advice, and animal stories. Watch the progress of orphaned bobcat kittens Fresno and Morro posted periodically on YouTube as well.
Sue Howell, executive director, the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center
