Alley is atrocious:
”
The alley behind Sparkle Center at 431 First St. is continually
full of garbage. The building owners do not seem to provide enough
garbage cans and people just drop their garbage on the ground. Not
only is it unsightly, but it is a health hazard for the
neighborhood.
Alley is atrocious: “The alley behind Sparkle Center at 431 First St. is continually full of garbage. The building owners do not seem to provide enough garbage cans and people just drop their garbage on the ground. Not only is it unsightly, but it is a health hazard for the neighborhood. We have contacted various government agencies about the problem, but nothing seems to improve. The latest call was to the code enforcement office of the city of Gilroy. We left a message, but the call was not returned.”
• “I would like to extend an invitation to all of our city leaders and especially any health officials to take a walk through the alley located behind Longs Drugs and Round Table Pizza. I recently had occasion to drop off some things at the Goodwill truck located in this alley and was appalled at the site. There is garbage of all kinds strewn about all over the alley behind the above mentioned stores. This is not only a disgrace to our city but also a health hazard. Something needs to be done about this mess.”
The Red Phone contacted the city about this problem and was told that the area is privately owned, but a cleanup solution is currently in the works.
“That area is private property,” said Teresa Hernandez with the City of Gilroy. “(The city is) working on a complaint that they have regarding that alley and trying to use code enforcement to get something done with the property owner. … apparently the property owner is not being very responsive.”
So, callers, keep an eye on the alleyway. If nothing is done in the near future, either call the city at 846-0444, voice your concern and keep them on their toes, or contact the Red Phone and it will check up on any progress in the attempted cleanup effort.
Wet paper: “I was just wondering if it is possible for the Dispatch to either double bag the papers when it’s raining or get thicker bags. If you’re not up to get the paper as soon as it’s thrown, it is soaked all the way through. I’ve dried it a few times with the blow dryer or I have spread it out in front of a fire. I’m really not one to complain, but when it comes to my morning paper, I don’t like it messed with. So if you can check into that for me I would really appreciate it.”
The Red Phone spoke with the Circulation Manager Scott LeVander and got his take.
“Our carriers bag and rubber band, bag and tie the end of the bag or double bag their newspapers,” he said. “However, on any given night with wet weather, we are bound to have a few papers that still get wet. If you receive a wet paper, call Circulation at 842-2327 and we will happily deliver you a dry one.”
Dry paper: “I was wondering if you could question your policy on wrapping all the newspapers with plastic bags. San Francisco is looking to pass an ordinance to charge 15 cents to grocery stores for every plastic bag used. You continue to wrap all your papers in plastic bags and there’s supposed to be an environmental mess out in the ocean because of plastic bags floating around. … why don’t you question your policy and see what you can do about it. Thanks.”
The two previous calls just go to show you can’t make everyone happy. The Red Phone talked to LeVander about this one too.
“Our policy is clear: If it is raining, if there is a chance of rain, if there is moisture in the air or if the ground is wet in any way, we bag our newspapers. We hope it is the responsibility of our subscribers to recycle the bags properly.”
Compliments, compliments: “Hi, I moved here not too long ago and get the Dispatch everyday. I just wanted to tell you all that I really enjoy this hometown paper. I’ve taken a real liking to the Red Phone column. I find it informative and amusing all rolled into one. Someday I’ll call with some complaint about something, because I’m sure the Red Phone loves those calls. But for now, you guys are doing a great job.”
The Dispatch staff is pleased you’re so happy with the paper. And the Red Phone thanks you for the ego boost as well. It anxiously awaits your future complaint … no sarcasm intended.
