Gilroy Needs State Prop. 1D to Pass for Second High School
Dear Editor,
I am responding to the editorial board’s “November ballot state proposition recommendations” published Sept. 22 in which the newspaper recommended a “No” vote on Proposition 1D, Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities.
I was surprised to see that recommendation after our response to a Dispatch editorial of May 16 entitled “GUSD Must Find a Way,” alluding to the construction of a new high school, in which we highlighted our funding sources.
In recent weeks, the Dispatch also published other information about the district’s facilities financial needs which included a pie chart listing the district’s sources of construction funds that shows approximately 26 percent of our facilities revenue is projected to come from the state of California.
In the case of Christopher High School, approximately $30 million is targeted to come from Proposition 1D, a fact that was highlighted in your edition of Saturday Aug. 19, 2006 in a story entitled “Billions for School Construction.”
In addition, approximately $2 million for a portable campus and a multi-purpose room for El Portal Leadership Academy is targeted to come from Proposition 1D bond funds. If Proposition 1D does not pass, the district will have to postpone or significantly alter plans for the new high school and the El Portal campus and multi-purpose room.
I don’t think that is the intent of your “no” recommendation and ask the editorial board to consider changing that recommendation to a “Yes” to support the educational needs of this community.
Edwin Diaz, superintendent,
Gilroy Unified School District
Chance Meeting With Birdman ‘Touches Her Heart in a Special Way’
Dear Editor,
A week or two ago I wandered into Home Depot to purchase some lumber for a project. I ambled up and down the aisle and realized that I had no idea what I needed and that there are way too many kinds of lumber to choose from. Frustrated with myself, I spotted a man who looked like he absolutely knew what he was about. I cleared my throat and hesitantly approached the determined and kindly looking man.
“Would you possibly know what kind of wood I would need to build a birdhouse from scratch?” I inquired. He stopped. He turned. He smiled and introduced himself.
By the time I left, I knew all about the 80 or more birdhouses at Christmas Hill Park for the bluebirds. I knew that birdhouses were being made for the endangered Barn Owl. We had chatted eagerly, sharing bird stories and nesting habits of various types of birds. With his business card in hand, I looked forward to stopping “by the house” to see all of his creations and learn more about the precious bluebirds.
As I left, lumber in hand, I was excited about my project and the prospect of getting together with Norman.
In that few minutes, in an aisle at Home Depot, my heart was touched in a special way. I want his family to know he made a difference in my life. For that I am grateful. I will always remember that few moments we spent together, talking birds.
Thank you, Norman Watenpaugh.
Heide Unger, Gilroy
