Fantastic Publicity in Our Paper for a Great Show, Treasure
Island, Thanks
Fantastic Publicity in Our Paper for a Great Show, Treasure Island, Thanks

Dear Editor,

On behalf of South Valley Civic Theatre, the producers of the current youth production, Treasure Island, would like to thank the Gilroy Dispatch for the great job it did in promoting the opening of the show in the Nov. 17 edition.

We had a terrific opening weekend! Audience members left the theater with big smiles. Comments were extremely positive: “What a great show!”; “The kids look like they’re having so much fun.”; “You have some very talented youth in the cast.” (That’s just to name a few.)

Thanks again! It’s wonderful to have the support of your publication. With such a great opening, the staff and cast of Treasure Island look forward to a very successful run: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2pm through Dec. 9.

Sandi Lewandowski, Gilroy

VTA’s Staggering Waste Leeches Money That Should Go for Highway Building

Dear Editor,

The Gilroy Dispatch Editorial Board urges dissolution of Valley Transportation Authority, joining a rising chorus around the nation regarding other bloated, boondoggle government transit agencies. Gilroy’s elected leaders propose enlarging VTA’s bus service to “door-to-door.” Are we crazy? Why do they think we can make the failed USSR’s economic policies work here?

Emperor “Transit First” is stark naked. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology study of all the nation’s transit agencies ranked VTA worst of all of them, inefficient, unsound and unsustainable. The Santa Clara County Grand Jury found VTA wasteful, fiscally irresponsible, taxpayer abusive and suffering from incompetent management, exorbitant labor wages/benefits. VTA ignored both; hired a PR firm to initiate a blitzkrieg, changed executive directors, and plowed ahead, refusing to admit the truth. Like medieval physicians, VTA’s leaders called for more blood-sucking leeches – i.e., higher sales taxes to cover their losses. Despite transit advocates outspending opponents by a ratio of 100-to-1, voters said “NO. Cut the waste!”

We are a nation divided against ourselves. Do we return to our capitalist roots in transport, or do we attempt to make communism succeed here after having defeated the USSR in the Cold War? Or, as former Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta phrased his “crucial question'” “What should government do, and what should it leave to others?”

As we watch the last cannery torn down, and our leaders proclaim expanded VTA bus service will better our town, Gilroy mirrors our national policy rift and split personality. VTA’s staggering, abysmal operating losses exceed $200 million annually. Passengers fares cover only about 15 percent of the cost of a ride.

With 96 to 97 percent of trips being taken in private vehicles, our leaders divert about 40 percent of the highway taxes to transit, sacrificing motorist and pedestrian safety.

We could save taxpayers millions if we bought VTA riders their own automobiles. But our leaders have too much fun spending OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY, and giving political payback to the trough-feeders at VTA.

Joseph P. Thompson, Gilroy

San Martin Shelter for Animals Can Use a Holiday Donation, Too

Dear Editor,

For as long as I can remember, the community in south Santa Clara County has been wonderful in their care and support of the many, many animals that are taken in and housed at the San Martin Animal Shelter. In the past have had the honor and pleasure of working with the great staff at the shelter as well as with the fabulous furry critters that call the place home (at least temporarily).

Please remember these critters during the holidays and if you have the means stop by with a donation. The shelter always needs donations (dry cat food and cat litter especially) of the usual things: food, bedding, toys, treats, cleaning products and good old hard, cold cash.

Adoptions seem to slow down in the winter and the shelter has a full house. If you have thought about adopting a cat or dog, there’s no time like the present! Talk about it with your family and if everyone thinks it’s a good idea, come on down a take a look. You just might find your new best friend.

Thank you, south county, for keeping the plight of the homeless cats and dogs in your hearts and minds during this holiday season. On their behalf, I thank you.

Sue Padgett, Gilroy

Perfect Timing to See a Wonderful Family Show at the Playhouse

Dear Editor,

What a wonderful family show!

For those with friends and family in town for the weekend spend a little time at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse where South Valley Civic Theatre has its young actors presenting Treasure Island.

I laughed, cheered, and left singing “Pieces of Eight …!”

Treat yourself and your family on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm through Dec. 9.

It is well worth the time.

Frank Mc Gill, Gilroy

November Election the Start of an American Counter-Culture Revolution

Dear Editor,

The one good thing that may come from this election is another counter-culture movement; the last one (1960’s) was the best thing to happen to America in the entire 20th Century. Now is the time to further divide those who desire true (Libertarian, Founding-Era) freedom and those who wish to force what they consider “duty” on others, conquering the latter by dissing the Establishment in a bolder, more in-your-face way than has ever been seen before.

Through bankrupting the government, we can (1) prevent socialized medicine (now they’re calling it “single payer”), (2) do away with the socialist establishment, especially the Pyramid Scheme (Social Security), (3) restore private property rights, and (4) prevent future wars. Through mass refusal to serve, the reform can, and will, be forced.

Duty is something to be determined by the individual, not foisted upon him by the local uniformed fascist or the local elected socialist. Remember: “Law and order” has become no more than a euphemism for “force and intimidation.”

Alan Viarengo, Gilroy

It’s No Wonder Meatless Diet is Becoming Popular

Dear Editor,

With increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, it’s no surprise that more Americans are switching to a meatless diet. Contrary to Debra Potosky’s claims, diets based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans can provide all the essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals we need – including adequate iron and calcium.

Some foods, like broccoli, Swiss chard, and other dark green leafy vegetables, are naturally rich in both iron and vitamin C. Dairy products are extremely low in iron and may interfere with iron balance, especially in young children. Healthy sources of calcium include kale, broccoli, and other green leafy vegetables. People on plant-based diets have less risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. A vegetarian diet is a step in the right direction for anyone looking to make healthy changes.

Susan Levin, M.S., R.D., Staff Dietitian

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