Dear Editor, Ann Sobrato High School’s band instructor Erik
Kalish was informed by Live Oak Principal Lloyd Webb that
restrictions were being placed on the Sobrato band that we don’t
understand.
Sobrato band pleads to play at El Toro Bowl
Dear Editor,
Ann Sobrato High School’s band instructor Erik Kalish was informed by Live Oak Principal Lloyd Webb that restrictions were being placed on the Sobrato band that we don’t understand. He denied. Kalish’s request to play a post-game show, while people are exiting the field.
The band is off to a great start this year and has had two wonderful experiences, playing at Gilroy High two weeks ago, for the Christopher High versus Sobrato game and followed the next day by a tremendous pre-game performance at the season-opening game at Stanford University.
We are saddened and confused by the restriction, since in the last five years the Sobrato band has performed at all away games – except the El Toro Bowl.
This is to communicate to band parents the reasons we will not be playing at tonight’s game. First, the Live Oak band is playing during half-time and there is only time for one band to perform. This is understandable and reasonable since this is a home game for Live Oak. Second, the band cannot perform a pre-game show as they did at Stanford University because of the junior varsity game preceding the varsity game does not allow time. This also is reasonable and understandable. However, Kalish asked about performing a post-game show while attendees are exiting. This request was refused. What the Sobrato band boosters don’t understand is why the Sobrato band is not welcome to play at Live Oak following a very important game.
We would like the public to know that the Sobrato band is not being treated fairly by the administration of Live Oak. All we were asking for was a post-game performance and a space in the stands to play as a pep band during the game.
Charlene Upton, Morgan Hill
Farmers’ Market is local, and has grown from its modest start
Dear Editor,
I have managed the Morgan Hill Farmers’ Markets for almost 25 years. I feel compelled to write this letter because of reckless journalism in your recent article. I would like to set the facts straight. Had the writer spoken to me before publishing misinformation, the Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market would have been correctly presented as a local community farmers’ market.
This season, hundreds of people told me how much they enjoy the expansion of the market on the Third Street Promenade. The farmers’ market is crowded, well received and I am proud to be a part of this community event.
At least half the growers and businesses at the farmers’ market are within 30 miles of Morgan Hill including all of the strawberry, lettuce, flowers growers, and more. Six farms and businesses alone reside in Morgan Hill, which is a higher percentage than most farmers’ markets in California. The Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market does not restrict participation to businesses within 10 miles of Morgan Hill, because the availability of crops would be limited to 20 to 30 items instead of those coming from local diversified microclimates like strawberries and lettuces from the coast, and tree fruits from the valley.
Local artists are encouraged in the Farmers’ Market. To apply for a space, contact Danielle Boulger with the Morgan Hill Downtown Association. CFMA developed the Make it, Bake it, Sell it program to include local arts and crafts vendors.
When I started the Morgan Hill farmers’ market 25 years ago, there were four farmers in the small parking lot behind Wells Fargo Bank. After the first few weeks, I called a few more farmers who came in. After two years, we moved from there to Third Street in 1987 to the street in front of the Sunsweet Growing Shed. The Downtown Revitalization project was helpful in finding a new location on Third Street. In 1997, I sought the assistance of CFMA, and we worked together to bring in more local growers from Hollister, San Martin, Gilroy and more locations. This year, we expanded the market onto the Third Street Promenade.
Our farmers’ market has been a community staple for more than 20 year. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful weekly event bringing locally grown fruits and vegetables to my community.
Virginia Sellers, Farmers’ Market manager
Band decision was made years ago by both Live Oak, Sobrato
Dear Editor,
We are lucky in our small town to have fantastic music programs at our high schools, brimming with talented and enthusiastic musicians and led by equally talented and enthusiastic band directors. Playing at football games is a large part of the performing experience to which all student musicians look forward. Because of the excitement and anticipation of the El Toro Bowl, the consensual decision regarding band-playing rights was made by both high school administrations three years ago. The agreement was that the alternating “home team” would have sole playing rights for their band during the game. Both high schools graciously accepted these restrictions.
Last year, the Live Oak Emerald Regime was the away team and therefore did not play pre-game, halftime, or post-game. The Emerald Regime sat in chairs off to the side of the stands while the home team, Sobrato, sat in the stands and played all performance opportunities. This year Live Oak is the home team and therefore will have all performance opportunities.
Best of luck to all football players, cheerleaders and band members Friday night.
Maggie Alexander, Morgan Hill
Apparently, disagreeing with tea partiers is not tolerated here in Morgan Hill
Dear Editor,
I agree that Tea Partiers have the Constitutional right to congregate on city streets. I’m not certain they have the right to run in and out of traffic or to wave their anti-government (and worse) signs in front of car windshields and spew their verbal abuse.
Due to ongoing construction, traffic through downtown was particularly slow (the other day). A female ‘adult’ (black shirt, white slacks) waved her sign and up-raised thumb in front of my windshield. When I returned her intrusive gesture with a thumbs down she jumped off the curb and screamed “go back to Russia.” Well, I’ve never been to Russia although my grandfather did immigrate to the United States from Latvia in the late 1800s. Does that qualify?
I can only surmise from her odd behavior that these visionaries are picketing to realize their concept of a Utopia where disagreement with their agenda and individual unsheep-like intellectualizing are not tolerated.
Linda Propp, Morgan Hill
Thanks to all for making last weekend’s Volunteer Morgan Hill Faire a success
Dear Editor,
On behalf of Volunteer Morgan Hill, I’d like to thank everyone who participated in our 2nd Annual Volunteer Morgan Hill Faire this past Saturday. We’d especially like to thank our sponsors and volunteers who helped us pull off a great event that managed to record 408 individual volunteer commitments to service organizations in our community. This is outstanding!
We are encouraged and inspired by the outpouring of support this community continues to give and we look forward to being a part of it for many years to come.
To that end, please mark your calendars now for the 3rd Annual Volunteer Morgan Hill Faire, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, that’s right 9-10-11. We also invite you to be a part of Volunteer Morgan Hill by visiting our website at www.VolunteerMorganHill.org and becoming a fan on Facebook.
Thank you Morgan Hill for “raising your hand” and volunteering!
Victor Gaxiola, president Volunteer Morgan Hill
What was the judge thinking when he OK’d supervised visits with alleged dog abuser?
Dear Editor,
Puleeze! Too bad poor old Snowflake’s tumor encasing his neck isn’t as tough as Kevin Fifield’s head. Seriously, 90 whacks to his head for resisting arrest and threatening the life of a police officer?
Judge Cunningham, what were you thinking when you ordered animal care specialists to supervise Fifield’s visits, an alleged violent person?
If Snowflake could speak, I’m certain he’d ask all who are interfering with Mother Nature, vets included, to simply be released from his earthly bonds, and join his ancestors with what’s left of his dignity intact.
Joanne Fisher, Morgan Hill
Democrats appear frustrated with the responsibilities of governing
Dear Editor,
Now that the Democrats are in full panic mode over several issues, a few thoughts … given Obama’s support of the Ground Zero mosque, who knew the man who nationalized auto companies, ripped off bond holders, and bullied BP into handing $20 billion to the government was such a defender of private property rights!
Recently, I’ve read a few letters from supporters of Jerry McNerney that touted his “moderation.” McNerney has supported Nancy Pelosi’s agenda 95 percent of his time in office. He’s loved by liberal advocacy groups for being more liberal than Maxine Waters and Barbara Boxer.
Please note that when McNerney and the Democrats took control of Congress in January 2007, unemployment stood at 4.5 percent. It is currently 9.5 percent and even the hapless Democrats tell us that it will get worse.
What Americans are seeing is a group of arrogant people, who are increasingly humbled by events. They are viewed as being overwhelmed and more incompetent than anyone – even people who did not vote for them – ever imagined.
They recognize impending political disaster for them in the form of this November’s elections. One would think this might lead them to some intense self-reflection, but when one sees the extraordinary amount of whining, finger-pointing and self-pitying going on, one knows that is not the case. Some politicians thrive on pressures and challenges, but these folks appear to have developed deep grievances, unhappiness and frustration with responsibility and the duties of governing.
This voter is looking for some change he can believe in the mid-term elections.
Bradley Fry, Stockton
Come November, remember which party drove the car into the ditch
Dear Editor,
The Republican tax plans to give a $103,835 tax cut to a person earning $1,000,000 per year and add billions to the deficit. The Democratic plan gives the same person a $6,349 tax cut and reduces the deficit. The Republican plan gives a $3,690 tax cut to a person earning $200,000 per year and the Democratic plan gives a $3,766 tax cut to the same person.
Voters have to decide which plan does the most for 98 percent of Americans. If America can remember which party drove the car in the ditch and has fought tooth and nail against every effort to get back on solid ground, it is possible that Nov. 2 will be a pleasant surprise.
Frank Crosby, Morgan Hill
