Dear Editor,
Thank you Sara Suddes for writing and The Dispatch for
publishing the article on
”
Man convicted of rape will serve life sentence.
”
The article was hard to read with so many graphic details about
a horrible case but I’m hoping other victims of domestic violence
and rape will find courage to speak up after reading this article.
I’m thankful to see our justice system worked this time before
someone was killed by this man, but saddened that so many had to
suffer before he was put away.
Thanks for ‘rape conviction’ story that helps more victims to come forward
Dear Editor,
Thank you Sara Suddes for writing and The Dispatch for publishing the article on “Man convicted of rape will serve life sentence.”
The article was hard to read with so many graphic details about a horrible case but I’m hoping other victims of domestic violence and rape will find courage to speak up after reading this article. I’m thankful to see our justice system worked this time before someone was killed by this man, but saddened that so many had to suffer before he was put away.
I also wanted to thank the woman who came forward with the information and testified against him. If she hadn’t, he would still be free to torture other women. A well-written article like this on such a hard subject can help to educate the public on the realities that can occur inside a “relationship.”
The only suggestion I have is to have local rape crisis hotlines and domestic violence support contacts attached to the end of this type of reporting.
I’m guessing many women will read this and realize for the first time that they do not have to stay and put up with that kind of treatment. I am not a victim of either of these crimes but have friends who have been and know that it occurs more often than we want to believe.
Teresa Sharp, Morgan Hill
Editor’s note: The crisis hotline number is (877) 363-7238.
Help for those in dire straits who face the possibility of losing their home
Dear Editor,
Last July, the Dispatch ran an article about job and home losses in Gilroy and featured my husband and I in our struggles to keep our home. Many of you read about Jack’s and my mortgage modification efforts, since my husband was laid off. To those who have offered suggestions and support, thank you. To those who have asked how to begin the process, I have a great event for you!
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Saint Mary Parish Hall (the gym), we’re hosting a Save Your Home Workshop. Saint Mary Parish and Starritt Realtors are co-producing the workshop. Consultations will be conducted in English and Spanish and we’ll even provide childcare. Our speakers are from Bank of America, South Valley Bank, Wells Fargo, Denise Brolin CPA, City of Gilroy Home Buyers Assistance, an attorney, and real estate experts from Starritt Realtors. Contact me at 847-5151 for details and come to 11 First St. on Tuesday.
After many months of phone calls and faxes, we have entered the federal National Mortgage Help program. We’ll have information on this stimulus program at the workshop. This federal program is intended for home-buyers who have not fallen behind, but are under financial distress. That’s us! We’ve just entered the process and you can see what’s involved at www.nmhcenter.org.
I have contended for many months that economic stimulus money needs to hit the ground floor of this economy – that’s all of us who paid the taxes that became the stimulus money. When we lose jobs, retirement plans, and homes, the economy falls apart and millions of people suffer. Programs like National Mortgage Help put our tax dollars where they will help the most.
Rose Barry, Gilroy
Angry Republicans mean the country is headed in the right direction
Dear Editor,
President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize and Republicans are angry. America lost it’s bid to get the 2016 Olympics and the Republicans were cheering. Since Republicans have been doing everything wrong and caused our current economic crisis and started the two wars we are currently stuck with, they are trying to redefine losing as winning and winning as losing.
It seems that the angrier the Republicans are, the more you know America is heading in the right direction. Congratulations Mr. President!
Marc Perkel, Gilroy
Unregulated development muddying and polluting the Uvas Creek waters
Dear Editor,
Every year we drive to Christmas Hill Park (at Silva’s Crossing across Miller Avenue) to watch the water rise with the rainfall.
This year we noticed a HUGE difference in the color of the water. I noticed the development above Christmas Hill failed to install proper erosion control, and now the water from the big storm is flowing into Uvas Creek and it’s all dirty and muddy. I don’t mean a little muddy, it’s polluting the entire creek. I’m sure the native animals and fish will pay for it later!
I thought that’s why we have inspectors and the permit process so this doesn’t happen. Please hold someone accountable. I called the city, but they just said, “what’s the problem?”
Dave Ochoa, Gilroy
Gaslighter Theater entertainment the perfect addition to downtown
Dear Editor,
I wanted to take this opportunity to applaud Marc and Susan Gaetano for the incredible Gaslighter Theater. Not only am I grateful that they gave me the opportunity to perform and be a part of a wonderful group, but also recommend the smorgasbord of wonderful talent that performs there.
Marc and Susan has given our community great flavor of the arts to be consumed and enjoyed.
This is what our community needs a place where families can go and see a live show, enjoy the tasty food and walk away with a satisfaction that they have participated in something worthwhile.
Mercedes A. Rossell, Gilroy
