Courtesy, Outreach Needed as Plans for Christopher High
Unfold
Courtesy, Outreach Needed as Plans for Christopher High Unfold
Dear Editor,
I read the recent story about the new Christopher High School. Do you know that the school district has never once asked for feedback or input or concerns from the neighbors directly behind Lions Creek, Tapestry and Pueblo Court?
I live on Pueblo Court and have been trying to reach someone on the Steering Committee to make sure that the people who live on Pueblo Court (according to the current plans, student parking lots back up to Lions Creek. Lions Creek run directly along Pueblo Court. Pueblo Court has approximately 10 houses, but to my knowledge no one on Pueblo Court has ever been contacted by the school district, city or planning commission.
We certainly don’t want to get in the way of the new much-needed high school, but I think it’s very important that the directly effected neighbors are kept informed about what will be happening directly across our small little street.
When I lived in Wilsonville, Oregon and the city had plans that would effect your neighborhood, we were always sent letters and invited to any meetings that directly effected our properties. It appears that the City of Gilroy doesn’t give us the same courtesy.
Robin Bohn, Gilroy
Keep the Momentum Going at Gavilan College
Dear Editor,
I ask all my friends in the Gavilan College District to vote for Kent Child and Elvira Robinson for trustees on Nov. 7. I know them both well and the college needs their continued service.
Kent Child and I worked together for the 30 years I taught there and served as an academic advisor. We worked as faculty colleagues first ‘and subsequently he became my supervising dean. His dedication to the college and his professional conduct enhanced my wonderful 30 years at the college. Elvira Robinson, an attorney who is now retired, has been a relentless advocate for the students along with Kent.
Gavilan College, like all other community colleges, is facing dramatic challenges. Women now comprise 63 percent of the student population, older citizens are seeking career changes or enrichment courses, and the academic needs of all students is rapidly changing. Moreover, the college recently passed a bond and plans to invest $108 million in facilities.
On a more personal level, I have on a few occasions been a thorn in their side. Yet, they have remained professional and open with me. These are characteristics rarely found in public servants. Gavilan College is a great and important asset in our community. We need to maintain the great momentum the college has in serving our students. Kent Child and Elvira Robinson for trustees on Nov. 7.
Tony Ruiz, Gilroy
Measure A Will Benefit Area, Won’t Hurt Ag
Dear Editor,
I’d like to share my viewpoint on ballot Measure A.
n Measure A only applies to county zones hillsides and ranchlands which are in the hills on either side of our valley, not the flatlands. It does not apply to San Martin’s rural residential area. The current zoning for agriculture would remain, both for Medium Scale (20 acres) and Large Scale (40 acres). All existing parcels in every zone would continue to be valid. The county land use map provided under the “facts” tab at www.OpenSpace2006.org shows the location of the affected zones.
n The county and taxpayers will save money by limiting more intense development in the Hillside and Ranchland zones. Providing road maintenance, police and fire protection is very expensive in these remote areas.
n Gilroy and South County could really benefit from Measure A because it would limit development on two of our favorite, most pristine properties, the Castro Valley Ranch (more than 6,000 acres west of Gavilan College) and the Sargent Ranch (also more than 6,000 acres west of U.S. 101 down to the county line). The owners of both properties are trying to position themselves for future development.
n Similar measures have been successfully implemented for years in both San Mateo and Alameda Counties.
When it is difficult to sort out the arguments, follow the money. Ninety five of the money being spent to oppose this citizen-sponsored initiative comes from the California Association of Realtors, based in Los Angeles.
Connie Rogers, former City Council Member and former Member of the South County Joint Planning Advisory Committee
Cheerleaders Hardly Playing Internet Games
Dear Editor,
I literally laughed at loud when columnist Cynthia Walker compared the hard work the cheerleaders have put in to some kid sitting at home and playing the Internet game World of Warcraft every day.
Thanks for making my day … Haha I love people like you.
Dennis Rathi, Gilroy
