Guest View

It's silly season again in California. For the sixth time in the

Congratulations to the Class of 2007 graduates of Live Oak, Ann Sobrato and Central Continuation high schools. As State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell stated when he came to visit Morgan Hill in January, each diploma this year will be worth more than any previous diplomas. This year, each diploma earned ties accountability to what we do in schools and we congratulate all of our graduates for not only completing the required coursework but for passing the California High School Exit Exam.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11. However, on Nov. 10, the United States Marine Corps celebrated its 232nd birthday, and since I served as a Marine machine gunner in the Korean War, and became a Marine Corps staff sergeant, and later authored the book, "We Claim the Title, Korean War Marines," please let me present my research from the Internet regarding praising the services. 

You undoubtedly know by now that I endeavor to cover various major issues in this column such as ocean flatulence and exploding cattle. So as a public service, I'm deviating from the norm and dedicating this piece to anyone still in the grips of TV episode withdrawal and wondering, "What the heck is going to happen to Jack Bauer?"

Who doesn't want sex offenders tracked and kept away from children? As the only provider of services for victims of sexual assault in South Santa Clara and San Benito counties, Community Solutions is committed to our community's safety and victims' rights. However, as such, we recognize that Proposition 83, dubbed Jessica's Law, will not be conducive to protecting our community from sexual predators.

I have noticed that people who believe in stereotypes typically don't have contact with the stereotyped group. Stereotypes might have evolved from incidents or anecdotes, which have tried to describe a certain group; however, stereotypes certainly don't tell the whole story.

I've pretty much discounted the reality (or rather, unreality) of the next few weeks of Christmas and am already looking forward to a new year. So is the governor it seems, as he seeks to devise a proposal that addresses the crisis of inadequate health care for the entire population of California. Because so many of California's non-profits are health care providers or greatly impacted by the ramifications of poor health care policies and practices, the California Association of Non-profits asked about what is going on around the state, particularly in the area of private and public partnerships.

I need to take a break from writing about substance abuse and its prevention in our community. It's hard, though. I read about the number of DUIs in Gilroy. I read about the heartbreak suffered by the family of Juan Sarmiento, an addict who killed himself and was first reported as homeless and then his family clarified that he wasn't. The armories are open and focus is given to people who are homeless, many of whom struggle with addictions. There's news of arguments or violence that require police intervention, all related to alcohol or fueled by some drug use. There's so much to write about.

Recently the Morgan Hill Times has printed several letters to the editor regarding the ongoing negotiations between the Service Employees International Union and the Morgan Hill Unified School District. The issue has been the topic of conversation locally and the subject of public comment at recent board meetings. To communicate the district's offer to date and to provide clarification, I offer the following: