Perfect, let’s wrap up the deal to put the temporary library in
downtown, then approve a marijuana dispensary close by. That way
the police officers can always be close by
… wait … an even better idea. Since the lobby in our $30 million
police building is closed every other Friday due to forced city
furloughs, how about we rent it out every other week to the
marijuana dispensary folks. Perfect. Money for the city coffers and
Police Chief Denise Turner and company
can keep an eye on the comings and goings without having to go
too far.
Perfect, let’s wrap up the deal to put the temporary library in downtown, then approve a marijuana dispensary close by. That way the police officers can always be close by … wait … an even better idea. Since the lobby in our $30 million police building is closed every other Friday due to forced city furloughs, how about we rent it out every other week to the marijuana dispensary folks. Perfect. Money for the city coffers and Police Chief Denise Turner and company can keep an eye on the comings and goings without having to go too far.
Surprised to find out at MayorAl’s round table discussion that the city budget, so often said to be in the deficit red for about $1.5 million for each of the next two years, is, lo and behold, balanced out. Shifting money from capital funds not needed because of fewer employees said City Administrator Tom Haglund. Convenient that didn’t get out during negotiations with the unions … Not sure, but unfortunately it’s the kind of “secret” news nugget that does not breed good employee relations.
Relations are strained on the City Council (column understatement of the week) and most like to point the finger at another. What does that tell you? And no, Georgia Funniere’s answer, “That they voted themselves an extra year in office because they so like each other so,” is not correct.
Correct indeed was the City Council’s purchase of Gilroy, formerly Bonfante Gardens. Beautiful land at a steal. What’s incorrect is the lack of vision going forward. Who really bought and who really owns the land? You do, dear Gilroyan. And you are, in fact, entitled to reap the benefits of what should be a glorious park for all of us to enjoy – without a $25 parking fee, admission charges, etc. It doesn’t need to be a theme park depending on moms and tots from Saratoga to show up and spend cash. It doesn’t need to be a place where that has to lure customers from afar with ever more “attractions.” It should be a people’s park, a place where trails into the hills sweep one away from the hustle and bustle just minutes from home, a place where views of the sublime California foothills enchant and refresh the soul. If there were a vision as such, people in Gilroy would rally and support the cause. And this community would boast one of the most stunning public parks in the state of California. And within its boundaries there should be a bronze plaque commemorating Michael Bonfante, the founder and visionary for setting aside this property for all to enjoy.
California did not boast the first national park, but has perhaps the most wondrous in Yosemite, which , as a reminder, is only a couple of hours away. Thoughts about what could be for the future of Gilroy Gardens were heightened by the outstanding Ken Burns series on public television which is currently airing. If you’re not tuning in to “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” I would highly recommend it. The scenery is stunning and the historical documentation fascinating. When combined with Burns’ narrative storytelling ability blending camera with words, it’s video art at its absolute finest.
Finest bet for this weekend is to get a $25 ticket, available at South County wineries this weekend, and enjoy the fall Passport Weekend event. One ticket buys tasting and entrance at 20-plus wineries. Food and entertainment abound. One example: Chef Alex Larson and brother Charlie will dish up homemade Tagliatelle Bolognese – fresh homemade pasta with tomato meat sauce and oak fired sausages – free on Sunday at Adagio with Rapazzini Wines. Adagio is the 1927 Spanish Colonial mansion just south of town off U.S. 101 before the cut off to Highway 25. My thought, do a little advance planning and pick three or four to visit and one where you’d like to end up. The vineyards are breathtaking in fall and our vintners are far friendlier and less pretentious than their Napa cousins.
Only halfway to Napa, is Harding Park, home of the President’s Cup Golf Tournament this year pitting America’s finest against the rest of the world’s best, excluding Europe. It’s a great setting for spectating not to mention a fantastic walk – and you might run into Gilroyan John Kent who is an avid golfer … Might see Pro Donny DeLorenzo there, too, who still has the best golf deal in town at the always-enjoyable Gilroy Golf Course where the hilltop view from the 8th tee still gives me pause after 25 years …
And 25 years ago, daughter Shannon was a 1-year-old and I had just arrived in Gilroy, young and no doubt foolish, and now I’m going to be a grandfather in spring come April. Congrats to Shannon and her hubby Steve, who’s a sous chef at Maggiano’s. My Auntie Claire sent me a “Congratulations Gramps” card … How do I like that? Well, maybe not the “gramps” moniker, but welcoming a little one and being a grandpapa is A-OK with me …
A-Ok are some of the quite-detailed and lovely architectural building renovations downtown. But Gary Walton is right – it’s all the aesthetics. So, what’s next? Making a stretch of Monterey into a walking street? Round table anyone?
