Dear Editor, On April 30 and May 1, Dowdy Ranch and the
Orestimba Corral, off Highway 152, on Kaiser-Aetna Road, opened for
backcountry activities. This south side of Henry Coe Park reveals
the grandeur of wilderness.
Coe Park backcountry should be open all year long
Dear Editor,
On April 30 and May 1, Dowdy Ranch and the Orestimba Corral, off Highway 152, on Kaiser-Aetna Road, opened for backcountry activities. This south side of Henry Coe Park reveals the grandeur of wilderness.
The Dowdy Ranch has visitor facilities and restrooms with running water, as well as a large picnic, area. The grand opening in May 2007 was the culmination of 20 years of planning and two of construction. Initially, it was open on weekends and holidays.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was of interest to my family as our granddaughter, Ashley Heck, fifth-generation Californian, cut the ribbon with Allie Phillips, great-great-granddaughter of Orin Dowdy, the original settler. This was a wonderful day and from this high pinnacle, we picnicked under a canopy and gazed at the awesome wilderness.
Unfortunately, times have changed. Dowdy Ranch is no longer open weekends and holidays. Last year the backcountry weekend, scheduled for April 23-25, 2010, was rained out. This year (April 30 to May 1), it was sunny.
We traveled up the dirt road from Bell Station on Highway 152 about seven miles to Dowdy Ranch. When we arrived, we noticed the structures we remembered as bright and new, now weathered. The large kiosk or “activities board” had fallen. After a quick observation, we continued on to Orestimba Corral where the activities were originating. However, some five miles over increasingly worse dirt roads, we turned back. Here, we rested and picnicked under the canopy. The quietness, except for an occasional light breeze, was intense.
But, with a once-a-year opening, we are losing this wonderful experience. Park officials maintain rain and wild fires limit the use. Although the park rangers are volunteers, I would think this area could be opened weekends from May through August. I am sure those who enjoy the wilderness would be most happy to pay a high entrance fee.
Burton Anderson, Morgan Hill
A great big thanks to all for making FFA fundraiser a success
Dear Editor,
The Morgan Hill Agricultural Booster Foundation and Live Oak & Sobrato Chapters of the Future Farmers of America would like to thank the public for making our 8th Annual Spring Auction – held April 24 – a success!
Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Memorial Sponsors ($1,500-plus) Mitch and Dolores Mariani Family – in memory of Dolores Mariani; National Sponsors ($1,000) Tilton Ranch – in memory of Harold Baird and TP Ranches – in memory of Tony Pierce; State Sponsors ($500) Morgan Hill Lions Club, Uesugi Farms Inc., Johnson Lumber; Chapter Sponsors ($250) Santa Clara Farm Bureau, Anritsu, Mitchell and Kelly Kirk, Syngenta (Goldsmith Seeds) and Acu Spec Inc. – Budde Family; Friends of FFA ($100) Jacqueline Lanusse, Zajac & Perrone, LLP, Don Trinchero, Anthony and Jane Goularte, Machado School Heritage Society, Second Chance Ranch, Ralph Jacobsen, Cal Color, Black Bear Diner and the American Quarter Horse Breeders of Santa Clara Co.
We’d also like to thank A Tool Shed, Australian Tanning Co., Bay Area Glider Rides, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Cherisse’s Hair Salon, Children’s Discovery Museum, CineLux Theater, Disneyland, Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Fortino Winery, Gilroy Gardens, Huntington Station, Jim Rea, Johnson Lumber, Laurelwood Kennels, Laser Quest, Mon C’, Morgan Hill Monopoly Game, NW Photography, Oaktree Woodyard, The Muirheads, Peter Anderson, Rosy’s at the Beach, Salinas Rodeo, San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Giants, Dr. Harika – Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, Dezign Salon, Chiala Farms, Glass Creations by Cheryl, Theresa Le Photography, Janet Burback, Bill Theiste, Alison Kelly Designs, Trader Joe’s, Tri County Vet, Sinaloa Cafe, So. Valley Disposal, Thai Restaurant, Marie Vertin, Kris Friebel, The Jewel Box, Heidi Beljean, Firehouse on East Dunne Avenue and Hill Road, Head Start Nursery, Mariani Orchards, Santa Teresa Golf, MaryAnn Bush and Christy Andrade, Flying S Livestick, Lazy Pooch and Extend Your Image.
Thanks to the volunteers, businesses and attendees for contributing to the success of the 8th Annual Spring Auction. And a big thank you to the Guglielmo Winery for the use of their facility.
Kris Friebel, Morgan Hill Agriculture Booster Foundation
Obama demonstrates leadership, but more is needed
Dear Editor,
“The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden. It is our number one priority and we will not rest until we find him.” –Â George W. Bush, 9/13/01
“I don’t know where he is. I have no idea, and I really don’t care. It’s not that important. It’s not our priority.” –Â George W. Bush, 3/13/02
 All right, then. After eight months of careful planning, President Obama authorized a ground assault on Osama bin Laden’s compound. Troops engaged in gun battle, rather than mail it in from the sky like a bunch of Nancies. Good going.
So how about Obama support families whose homes are being foreclosed in record numbers, or stand with teachers and public employees who find themselves under attack by Republican? Or call out Republicans bent on slashing government programs designed to help poor and working people? Those tasks require much more Presidential courage and leadership than killing Osama bin Laden.
Craig Waits, Gilroy
