The following individuals and organizations deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
The following individuals and organizations deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For the recipients of the annual Blue and Gold Awards given for heroism and bravery to South Valley police officers and firefighters by the Gilroy Exchange Club. Gilroy Police Officer Scot Smithee earned an honor for his heroic rescue of seven people from underneath a capsized boat while he vacationed in Hawaii with his wife. All the honorees have noteworthy stories (www.gilroydispatch.com if you missed that day’s paper) and the Exchange Club deserves special kudos for making this annual event so special.
CHEERS: For Ben Hemeon, who broke the Gilroy High School season home run record this week with a tape-measure shot at Live Oak in the last game of the regular season. The GHS senior hit his eighth HR over the 400-foot barrier in center field. What we’re most impressed about, though, is his strength of will in seeking the record and his work ethic which led to tremendous improvement from his junior to senior season.
JEERS: For the two lawsuits filed against Gilroy by outside interests – one over affordable housing, another over the approval of Wal-Mart. Whether it’s the labor unions seeking to stymie competition or a law firm looking for a big splash, the special interest is flowing toward our city. Everyone wants to make an example of Gilroy and it’s costing us time, energy and plenty of money.
CHEERS: For the five educators – good sports all, who shaved their heads after the students at Mt. Madonna High posted near 100 percent attendance for standardized testing. Getting a buzz cut is going the extra mile. In a perfect world that kind of motivation wouldn’t be necessary, but it’s not a perfect world. Hats off (ha!) to Principal John Perales and teachers William Chavez, Jeremy Dirks, Richard Red and Luke Vranizan.
JEERS: Again, for rising gas prices that officials predict could reach $3 a gallon by the end of summer. If this trend continues, even Gov. Schwarzenegger will have to trade in his Hummer for a hybrid by August.
