A great teacher, support for arts education and a puzzling city
budget make the list this week
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For South Valley Middle School teacher Nancy Frizzell who received the title teacher of the year from the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Her passion for science coupled with her creative ative and demonstrative lesson planning separates her from the pack. “She’s good for two or three fire alarms per year,” said Principal John Perales. It’s a classic quote that, taken in context, says a lot about how Ms. Frizzell teaches. Our sincere thanks to her for realizing her calling and making science class at South Valley a place where children’s minds and imagination are ignited.
CHEERS: For Jeff Garcia, the quarterback who just refuses to fade quietly onto the bench. It’s a great story, really … small town kid noticed by the legendary Bill Walsh, has to go to the Canadian League where he wins the Grey Cup, storied years with the 49ers, then a bounce back with Philadelphia and a new start in Tampa Bay at 37 years old … wouldn’t it be great to write a magical ending to the story about the gritty kid from Gilroy who just kept competing until …
JEERS: For the person or persons who mailed out the campaign hit piece. It’s too bad. The “rubber stamp” aspect of the current City Council is a legitimate issue, but an anonymous mailer merely muddies the issue and drags the debate about Gilroy’s future into dirty water. Let’s refrain from hit pieces and speak up on issues that are important so that the public gets a chance to get involved instead of turned off by a tainted and shady process.
JEERS: For the Gilroy City Budget, up about $5 million on year-over-year spending projections, which is about the deficit predicted for 2007-2008. If the budgeting is so conservative that it always comes out fine in the end, what’s the point of the smoke and mirrors? If it’s not going to be fine and dandy long term, why is the City Council waiting to do something about it?
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustees which has consistently backed up support for the arts with budgetary decisions. GUSD, supported by state funds and the local Connell Family Music Fund, will pour $600,000 into arts education next year. That provides outstanding opportunities for so many students, and feeds an essential part of development.
CHEERS: For Rich Firato who built an amazing pirate’s paradise in his Morgan Hill backyard. It’s a kick to report such a random, feel-good story and we hope the venue can perhaps help raise some local charitable donations.
