A plea to show patriotic and another to stop the trails in the
Jackson Oaks area
WWII Vets Open Eyes and a Plea for Flags on Memorial Day
Dear Editor,
Last Saturday (May 12), I had the pleasure of attending the WWII forum at the GIlroy Library. There were several veterans there who shared with us their experiences during the war. A dive-bomber pilot, a B17 pilot, Naval Guard, Marines and Army were represented. Also present were persons who could explain some of the Japanese and German aspects of what the war was like. I was especially pleased to notice a teacher from San Benito, students from the same and one student from Gilroy High School.
These veterans are all quite humble even though they endured atrocities during the war. At one point during the discussion, someone asked a bomber pilot what he missed most about home while he was away. His response? A resounding “America!”. This was met with a vehement nod of understanding and agreement by the other veterans.
As I left the forum, I felt a renewed respect and pride in knowing that these men, like the soldiers today, are true patriots and heroes. Gilroy has a wealth of knowledgeable and interesting folks that I may not have ever met if it were not for the dedication and willingness of Librarian Lani Yoshimura to avail our library for this purpose.
I also send a special “thank you” to those in our “Greatest Generation” who came to share. I hope this forum group grows with more vets and citizens in attendance in the future; to hear of first-hand experiences is enlightening and offers an avenue to understanding the times when our world was at war.
In closing, I hope to see a “sea of flags” on Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day) along the parade route to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to show gratitude and respect to their families.
Heide Unger, Gilroy
City Completely Ignoring Fire Danger With Proposal for Trails
Dear Editor,
When I moved to Jackson Oaks a year ago, I used to sing “The hills are alive with the sound of music,” whenever I drove home and looked up at the lush green slopes. Very shortly after we moved, I watched as the verdant meadow turned to golden straw and our neighbors quickly let us know that we needed to clear a fire break on the open space at least six to 10 feet beyond our fence, because the sound of music could swiftly become the crackle of firewood. We’ve rapidly learned that to live next to this open space is a huge responsibility. Until the safety of your home is threatened, you see only the beauty to be enjoyed.
I attended the “trails” meeting at the Community Center and observed that all the people opposed to the trails were residents who live next to open spaces. The city dismissed the residents concerns about fire safety in open spaces by quoting an unnamed study, however they also stated that they had not yet consulted with the Morgan Hill Fire Department. about fire safety on the open spaces trails in Morgan Hill. How could I trust such an extensive trails project that was proposed without consulting the fire department? The trails project team has not even walked the open space of Jackson Oaks, where the hills are very steep and the wind power is a force to behold.
The open spaces in Morgan Hill are already highly susceptible to fire. It’s only May and we’ve already had fires this year in the open spaces near the freeways. Can the city genuinely argue that placing trails in the open spaces won’t increase the fire risk? I think the city would be held legally liable if after all this public discussion, they were to build trails and just one careless person started a destructive fire on the trail.
I think it is a great idea to have a trail system in the city of Morgan Hill that provides sidewalks that connect each neighborhood in the city with the business district and community service centers.
If there is money to spend I would love to see sidewalks all along East Dunne Avenue up to Jackson Oaks Drive. I’d also love to see a high quality (Vasona type) family park near one of the lakes in Morgan Hill. The trails should enhance the lives of all citizens not increase the stress and anxiety of some neighborhoods.
JMM Lake, Morgan Hill
