This year’s Garlic Festival was well received with it’s emphasis
on locally grown produce.
Dear Editor,
This year’s Garlic Festival was well received with it’s emphasis on locally grown produce. Terms like locally grown and farm fresh are becoming increasingly important to South County residents.
Who wouldn’t want a bell pepper that was picked yesterday as opposed to one that had been shipped across the country or even across an ocean? Having said that, there is a proposed senior housing development on the east side of Gilroy on Bolsa Road.
This two-car garage senior development would lead to the demise of a local, bountiful cherry orchard as well as open up the potential to pave over more fertile soil on the east side of Gilroy. This development would require an amendment to the general plan that currently does not allow for housing developments east of the 101 freeway.
There are other suitable sites close to services for seniors that should be considered. This will ensure that our Garlic Festival may continue to serve locally grown produce for years to come as well as protecting fertile soil that will continue to provide farm fresh food in stores for South County residents.
Dana Wolfe, Gilroy
Site of 9/11 attacks should remain as sacred ground
Dear Editor,
In my opinion, there should be no place of worship or any other buildings put around the area of the fallen Twin Towers. It is sacred ground. Pieces from the buildings and the planes from this horrible event were strewn all over that area, several blocks away from the actual event. It is my understanding that the Burlington Building, itself, was hit by falling debris. That location is a burial ground. If an endangered salamander was found there or even a single bone of a Native American, ALL building would STOP. Many of the remains have yet to be found, from that horrid event. Nothing should be built there … nothing!
Jacqui Holladay, Gilroy
Thanks to reporter, community for support during a tough time
Dear Editor,
Many thanks to Sara Suddes for her recent article regarding our niece, Jasmine Costa. Her coverage of Jasmine’s life, tragic passing – and the community’s amazing support of the Sutton and Costa families during this very difficult time – was professional, respectful and sensitive. And for that we are truly grateful.
Michelle Costa & Jeff Rodriguez, Cambria
Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market is populated with local growers
Dear Editor,
I found the title and content of your “Locals not a priority at farmers’ market” article to be inflammatory and irresponsible. Local growers and producers at the Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market include Dolly’s Orchids, Garcia Begonias, Gonzales Farms, Kika’s Strawberries, Love’s Tropicals, Miyata Farms, Monterey Mushrooms and more, all within 30 miles of Morgan Hill. Six of which are listed within Morgan Hill city limits. Most would consider this local. Farmers’ Markets are a part of a state program, designed where farms only sell what they grow.
Farmers’ Markets are not Bakery Markets. Mitra’s Bakery withdrew their application June 14, nearly three months ago, after neglecting to submit a product list per multiple requests. I find the article stale and unnecessary as any problem was resolved June 14.
I encourage everyone in Morgan Hill to come to the Farmers’ Market to meet their community and local growers Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Depot and Third streets.
Doug Hayden, President, California Farmers’ Markets Association
