So the shopping mall is not going to be built on the east side
out by Holsclaw Road. This is no great loss; better a mall (retail)
than more houses, but better real-wage industry than more
minimum-wage retail (junk). Would a fairgrounds-style center be
profitable?
No mega mall, but what about a new place for the Garlic Festival?
Dear Editor, 
So the shopping mall is not going to be built on the east side out by Holsclaw Road. This is no great loss; better a mall (retail) than more houses, but better real-wage industry than more minimum-wage retail (junk). Would a fairgrounds-style center be profitable?
Not only could this be a future site for the Garlic Festival (the encroaching home-building around Christmas Hill Park will eventually choke the current Festival), but it could also be used for a true (ag-based) fair.  
Since they’re planning to build welfare housing on the current County Fairgrounds site, there may be enough demand to support such a venue: Concerts, motorcycle rallies, gun shows, rectangular-field (football, rugby, soccer, polo) games, livestock, horse races, rodeos, stock-car and dirt-bike races, monster trucks, the Scout-O-Rama, gem and mineral shows, tattoo expos, and even art shows. Would it be profitable, or at least break even, if the volunteer (service) organizations (Boy Scouts, 4-H, Rotary, etc.) that use it commit to a time quota for upkeep?
Entrances at both Leavesley Road and Pacheco Pass Highway would provide good accessibility.   Of course, this would best succeed were it owned and operated by a private entity; keeping the government, no matter the level, out of it would improve its chances.
Alan Viarengo, Gilroy 
School music programs a vital part of development for students
Dear Editor,
I understand that the 6th–8th grade band programs are again in danger of being cut from the Gilroy Unified School District budget. I would ask you to take a few moments to reconsider this decision. As you know, this country is in dire need of workers skilled in mathematics and engineering. 
I have worked with engineers for the past 20 years, and a significant percentage of them have had a strong music background. Music, creativity and math go hand in hand. Thinking back to my own school experience, music class was a place where I learned key elements of mutual respect, teamwork, discipline, and timing, all of which have served me well in life. 
I also learned to experience the joy and power of classical pieces that remain a part of my life (and my iPod repertoire) today.  Without a solid school music program, I, along with many other students, would likely have missed that opportunity altogether. It would be difficult to exaggerate the importance of my son Scott’s experience with the GUSD music program. 
He began learning the basics in Gretchen Vandenberg’s elementary programs, started playing drums with Creighton Yip, continued percussion with Tom Brozene’s South Valley Junior High School band, and completed his GUSD experience in the prize-winning Gilroy High School marching band with Dennis Aquilina and Murray Gussek. Travel opportunities provided by middle- and high-school marching band competitions led him to apply to Fresno State, where he won a track scholarship and played in the college marching and concert bands. 
In Fresno, he played professionally with both a flamenco group and a popular rock band. He continues to play drums and guitar, and write and produce music. His undergraduate degree in physics again exemplifies the bond between science and music. Music programs are one of the few areas of elementary through high school where students interact freely with each other, regardless of background and academic interests. 
Classroom work, sports and extracurricular activities tend to segregate students by age, grade point average, and popularity. Music programs provide an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships between individuals who might not otherwise even meet. 
I’ve spoken with octogenarians in Gilroy who reflected fondly, and in great detail, on close friendships that were begun 60 years earlier in middle-school band. Being in a school music program involves mentoring and becoming a role model for younger students. ”Paying it forward” is ingrained in respecting the band room and caring for equipment, as well as practicing and helping others to play an instrument.
As a freshman, Scott was fortunate to be in GHS band with upperclassmen Joey Fortino and Wendy McAllister, and I would challenge you to find better role models! Gilroy students need music programs.  I hope that the school board can “think outside the box” to preserve 6th through 8th grade band for the future of our community. 
Janet Wenholz, Gilroy
Bring on the golf tournament at Fry’s course – we need a boost
Dear Editor,
Let’s go ahead and approve this proposed, exciting PGA tour site at John Fry’s golf course. I’m getting tired of seeing and having too many good homes for sale in Morgan Hill.
Hopefully this would change to sellers’ market. Plus, filling up our motels/eating places would help to our community.
Kent Scharninghausen, Morgan Hill
