Dear Editor,
After the Summit Fire, when I learned that Cal Fire could not
take donations because it’s a state agency, I thought the way to
show my appreciation to these courageous, empathetic,
”
hard working in the worst conditions
”
firefighters, was to bake a large pan of brownies.
Little did I know, but much to my pleasure, I will find myself
taking more goodies to the Cal Fire (CDF) base station on Monterey
Road in Morgan Hill, which is actually a headquarters for several
stations in our county. What a blessing and a tribute to the
firefighters that NO homes were lost and all livestock, in this
horse-populated area of Day Road, were removed safely.
Huge thanks to the firefighters for saving all the homes and livestock
Dear Editor,
After the Summit Fire, when I learned that Cal Fire could not take donations because it’s a state agency, I thought the way to show my appreciation to these courageous, empathetic, “hard working in the worst conditions” firefighters, was to bake a large pan of brownies.
Little did I know, but much to my pleasure, I will find myself taking more goodies to the Cal Fire (CDF) base station on Monterey Road in Morgan Hill, which is actually a headquarters for several stations in our county. What a blessing and a tribute to the firefighters that NO homes were lost and all livestock, in this horse-populated area of Day Road, were removed safely.
I think I will have to add the Gilroy Dispatch to my list of showing appreciation. The Dispatch has been a phenomenal source of information during the firefighting efforts of the Hummingbird Fire. Few updates of fire size and containment were being provided through the radio or TV newscasters, and I can understand that since there are so many fires throughout Northern California. But we live in the Burchell Road area and this fire became personal, especially when we had a hard time returning home on Saturday night at 11 p.m. due to all the closed roads. All one can think about is getting home to loved ones, including the four-legged ones. Beginning Saturday, the Dispatch posted updates at www.gilroydispatch.com along with fabulous photos!
I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude. It goes beyond what can be expressed verbally. It’s that lump in the throat that reveals itself when it moves to the eyes welling up with tears.
Susan Mister, Gilroy
Ban the sales of fireworks in Gilroy before a major disaster occurs
Dear Editor,
Why must we still sell fireworks in Gilroy? First, as a resident living in the area of this weekend’s fire sparked by the spectacular lightning on Saturday, a warm-hearted THANK YOU to all of the agencies involved in battling our local fires.
Now, can’t we give all of these folks a break so they don’t have to fight fires that are not caused by nature? Driving around this weekend I see the sales booths assembled throughout Gilroy, and it is very troubling.
We are in a drought, the hills are very dry and it is only going to get worse. The fires we are experiencing now should make everyone painfully aware of the danger as well as the speed in which fire can move through dry areas like ours. We are entering a perfect storm period from a fire-risk perspective and we’re simply not doing everything we can to make our lives safer.
Yes, the fireworks help fund non-profits, but is this worth the possible disaster that could come from the use of fireworks? I’m sure the non-profits would find alternative sources for this revenue.
Having a total ban on fireworks would make policing what is left much more efficient. There have been previous disasters with fireworks documented all over the country and within Gilroy. Why does Gilroy have to single themselves out in this county and allow the sale of these dangerous devices. This is not something that Gilroy should be known for! Every other city has figured this out and we should be doing the same thing. Please, be pro-active on this topic, ban the sales of fireworks before a major disaster occurs. It simply is not worth the risk to property and lives.
Ken Pauley, Gilroy
Gilroy Post Office workers redefine meaning of expression ‘going postal’
Dear Editor,
Gilroy Post Office has given a new Gilroy style meaning to the expression “going postal.”
Last week, on a blistery afternoon, I was standing in line to buy some stamps. As usual, at certain times of the day, it wound out the doors. A lady entered the area, completely distressed, heat beat, and with labored breathing. She was pulling behind her an oxygen tank.
She asked the man behind me if she could use his phone. He was reluctant and did not give her a clear answer. I was ready to offer mine when a clerk noticed her and quickly beckoned to her to skip the line and go to her window. The lady had locked her keys and cell phone in her car and needed to contact her husband who was on his way home from work.
As soon as she explained her predicament, the clerk called for help and immediately another clerk went out to try to retrieve her keys. He was unable to do it so he called her husband from the post office phone, all this after getting her a chair.
On my way out I asked if she needed a ride and between breaths she said that she did not, everything was fine. This was a potentially dangerous situation. The clerks at our local post office should be commended on their quick action, genuine concern, and compassion. Next time you are waiting in a long line at the post office, practice how you will smile and say “thank you,” to the clerk who will be serving you.
Pam Tognetti, Gilroy
Readers appreciate the timely and thorough fire coverage on the Web
Dear Editor,
Yes, I do miss the five days of print. I still haven’t quite figured out how to enjoy my cereal with the on-line editions.
However, excellent on-line coverage of the recent northwest Gilroy fires. The updated articles, pictures, and video were excellent!
I found the Web site coverage to be the most timely, and reliable source for fire coverage. Good job!
Curt Goris, Gilroy
and
Dear Editor,
I have been watching on-line fire news all weekend and I have to tell you that the most up-to-date source of news has been the Dispatch. I am impressed at the coverage – from the on-line video to the posted stories. It’s been really helpful to know if the fire is moving or stable (the difference between moving the horses or not.)
Your site’s news is more current that the CAL FIRE on-line updates.So, thank you to you and your team for all that you did this weekend.
Katherine Filice, Gilroy
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