It’s time for the city to get tough on political graffiti and
force candidates to clean up
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the candidates who leave their trash around town after the election. Clean up your signs, we’re tired of looking at them. The city has an ordinance, and it should be enforced. If the signs don’t come down within a reasonable period of time, the fines should start coming down on campaign committees. Post election, the signs are as unwelcome as graffiti.
CHEERS: For all the school staff members who are involved in the planning and execution of graduation ceremonies. It’s a big deal that takes a lot of work. Don’t forget to say thank you if you have a chance.
JEERS: For the people who called the Gilroy Police Department (and the newspaper) to complain about the shooting of a mountain lion who wandered into an urban back yard. Gilroy police officers did what they had to do after careful deliberation and weighing all the options. Give them a break, and due respect.
CHEERS: For the Sportsman Chefs organization, which puts on the annual Fishability Day for developmentally disabled in the area. The special outing is a day of huge fun for participants, who get a chance to do something not normally within their reach.
JEERS: For the news that the teachers union and the school district are at loggerheads over the issue of extending the day for middle school students in order to improve math performance. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail, the focus will stay on the task and the individuals who seek to exploit such circumstances will consider the greater good.
CHEERS: For the Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, who landed a one-two punch with his most recent fight announcement. Not only will he get a re-match with Mexican fighter Gamaliel Diaz who handed “The Ghost” his first loss, Guerrero will likely get a WBC World Featherweight title fight if he is victorious. Expect just that from our celebrated Gilroy boxer who, no doubt, will take a little more humility and a lot more fire into the ring on June 23 at the Oakland Arena.
CHEERS: For the scant few who took the time and trouble to vote Tuesday. It’s astounding what most Americans take for granted.
CHEERS: For all the Gilroy High School graduates who earned scholarships, awards and honors. The Class of 2006 attracted $790,000 in scholarship money, and the celebration in the new student center Wednesday night showcased that talent and the commitment of the students. Mayra Cervantes, who accepted 12 scholarships, deserves a special round of applause.
