Editorials

Shut them down again – and again, and again, and again – if necessary.

It’s working. The owners of the long-vacant unreinforced masonry buildings downtown are coming to City Hall for the proverbial “come to Jesus” meeting with city staff.

The city’s new hardscrabble stance on the vacant unreinforced masonry buildings downtown is, understandably, born of frustration. Years of trying to cajole, incentivize, plead, push and assist have resulted in hardly any change. Vacant buildings dominate the central block. It’s an embarrassment to the community, and it’s no wonder that Mayor Don Gage, a born-and-raised Gilroyan, has had enough.

Knock, knock.

Whether you’re a library patron or not, we believe strongly in a Yes vote for Measure A that’s coming to your mailbox.

Mayor Don Gage has opened up a can of worms with his invitation to the City Council and, of course, the community to discuss a city bond measure that would fund “wish list” items. We’re glad he did.

It’s been a year since Antolin Garcia Torres, 22 of Morgan Hill, was arrested and charged with the kidnap and murder of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar.

Gilroy Police Chief Denise Turner has a dilemma and she’s, understandably, seeking a policy direction from the City Council.

Imagine a medical emergency that requires an ambulance. Fast forward a month or so and imagine getting a bill from the Rural-Metro for $10,000 give or take with a notice declaring that the company, unfortunately, doesn’t contract with your private medical insurance carrier. You’re on the hook for the bill, maybe you’ve been unable to work and then the aggressive calls from the collection agency start.

Passing an urgency interim ordinance – normally reserved for extreme and unforeseen situations – is more than a bit premature, it’s perplexing.