Dear Editor:
I thought that once I retired I would spend my time at the
library and read the books and novels that I have always wanted
to.
Dear Editor:
I thought that once I retired I would spend my time at the library and read the books and novels that I have always wanted to. But, alas, too many things are happening that I have to have my say since this city is the only one I know and care about. I really love Gilroy. I want to see it shine its bright lights and colors.
Let me start with the cultural center and its suggested location: Seventh and Eigleberry streets. What people like J. G. McCormack (letter, Jan. 23, 2003) fail to see is that this neighborhood is quickly becoming a ghetto. Why? 1. lack of adequate housing, 2. absentee landlords, and 3. extremely high rents. The landlords care nothing about their property except the income it produces; the high rents leave no alternative but to have as many people in the house or the apartments as possible to afford the rents. If we let this condition exist it will cost us more money in the long run. And if the McCormacks call us names, so be it.
With regard to the need for a cultural center, I think it is time for Gilroy to enjoy some good productions and concerts. Not to long ago, the musical “Oklahoma” was presented at the then vacant lot on Fifth and Eigleberry streets and it played to a sold out audience. Seventh and Eigleberry would be an excellent site and the artistic works would be a welcomed and significant step forward.
The city could exercise its power of eminent domain – under the watchful eye of citizens – to insure there is no abuse of the process. So let us move forward on the center. I do not like to drive to Gavilan Community College to see and hear our wonderful local symphony perform.
On another subject, the column by Denise Baer Apuzzo, (Jan 23, 2003) describing my end of Gilroy is highly insulting: “Pedestrian friendly? … “If you are in an ‘alternative working situation’ such as panhandling or prostitution our downtown may suit you.” I do not know when you “drove by with your doors locked” but you did not see panhandlers or prostitutes in the area. Let me enlighten you. The panhandlers were at the entrance to the shopping center on Tenth and Chestnut and the other shopping center on Arroyo Circle. Prostitution? Maybe you can tell a woman’s profession by looking at her, I can’t. I have walked in the area in question late at night and I see nothing of what you mentioned.
Now, the Wal-Mart issue. Our elected officials should know that it is the consumer who will decide where the best buys are located and where they will spend. I, being retired, have a fixed income and would like to have more options for my purchases.
With regard to the union organizers – if they are really concerned in improving the working conditions of employees why don’t they go out and organize the nurseries that pay $5 and work the employees from four or five in the morning to eight and nine p.m. without drinking water, toilet facilities, overtime compensation or medical coverage?
And I believe that a new police center is essential to the projected growth of my city. In addition, like to see an indoor firing range. I would suggest to the City Council that they visit the San Jose Police Department’s indoor firing range and evaluate the necessity of the same in my city.
Edward P. Sanchez, Gilroy
Submitted Wednesday, March 19
