Dear Editor,
I am sitting in the walkway of the Gilroy Community Services Department. I have been waiting since 5am. You might think I was first in line. Sadly, I’m only 8th. The first place goes to the mom who came at 4:30am.
We are all the “good parents” waiting to sign up our preschoolers for the programs that carry such sweet names as Busy Bugs, Tiny Tots, Happy Hands, Wee Tots, Me and My Shadow and Superkids. Most of us have come prepared with our folding lawn chairs, venti mochas, newspapers, magazines and cell phones. One dad even has a Blackberry.
Just like some of our city parks, there is no toilet available. All this coffee has got to go somewhere!
I considered finding a bush below the mayor’s window but decide instead to test my willpower since one of my fellow “good parents” waiting in line is my older son’s former principal. I wouldn’t want to taint what memories he may have of me as that annoying helicopter mom who dared bother him the first day of second grade.
But I digress, my reason for sharing my experiences today with fellow Gilroyans is to ask publicly two questions.
Although in years past I spent early morning hours waiting in line for the Vineyard School registration, they have now opted for a lottery system. Why in the world doesn’t the city do the same?
How are there no “liability issues” with all these “good parents” who could potentially be attacked by a masher or injured when our lawn chairs collapse from overuse? And for the question that really bothers me, as I sit here looking at the bronze in cement plaque marking the cornerstone ceremony for Gilroy City Hall July 26, 1980, who decided that the presiding dignitary was “Most Worshipful?”
I sincerely hope that those who stood in this sacred spot in 1980, or those who wait here now have a God to worship that is more powerful and loving than Mr. Gordon. Although I’m sure he was in his way powerful and loving, and may be even still.
Most importantly, I want to thank the City of Gilroy for serving so well, for so long our bugs, shadows and tots.
Lynne de Chambrier, Gilroy
P.S. – I borrowed the word masher from a “good grandparent” in line behind me.
