"I'm tired of these guys on Welburn and Wayland and down by the police department selling fresh fruit and strawberries, selling everything without having health department permits. They have no business licenses and when you call the city or the police department, they say there's nothing they can do about it. There is something they can do about it, but they're too lazy. So next time we have an outbreak of salmonella or some other horrid disease because people are selling this stuff, when these people who have no place to go to the bathroom, so they go on neighbor's yards, or when they're through going to the bathroom, they have no place to wash their hands. Then they go serving food, fruit, strawberries. It's absolutely disgusting. I have contacted the health department and they too want to know why the city hasn't done something about it, since they have numerous complaints and photos of the people doing this. Thank you."Dear Disgusted,
There's is something being done. Police arrested Rafael Zapata, 26, of the 7200 block of Dowdy Street, at 3:21 p.m. Sept. 19, near Princevalle and Fairview streets on suspicion of operating a food facility without a permit and soliciting without a license.
So good caller, it appears police are arresting sellers who operate without permits when complaints are filed. Police could probably spend all day citing these individuals, but do you really believe that's the best way for Gilroy's officers to spend their time? Red Phone believes there are more serious crimes that police need to focus on than someone selling fruit without a license. And, if you're worried about catching some "horrid" disease, buy your groceries from a supermarket, though as we saw just last year, even produce at regulated farms can become contaminated.
Blue curb update
A Red Phone caller asked if the blue curb on Ayer Drive was legal. City Traffic Engineer Don Dey said it was, but that staff would be talking to both property owners where the handicap space is located.
Dey said the current permit runs through June 2009, and once that permit expires they are going to ask the homeowner to apply under new regulations enacted this year. Under the old regulations, anyone who came to City Hall with a disabled placard was allowed to paint the curb in front of their home blue, Dey said. Now, under new regulations, the homeowner will have to justify why they need a parking place in front of the home instead of parking in their garage or driveway.
So good caller, while someone at the home is disabled, staff will be looking at the new regulations next summer.
Police should ticket cell phone users "I was wondering what's the deal with Gilroy Police Department. I see a lot of people talking on their cell phones. I mean, they could be making a lot of money ticketing people who are using their cell phones. There was a law that passed and I can't believe all the people I see using their cell phones. Thank you Red Phone."
"I'd like to know why policemen aren't stopping people using their cell phones. I believe there are a lot of people still using cell phones while driving. I think the police department would make lots of money if they'd stop and pull over those people who are using cell phone. Thank you."
Dear Can You Hear Me Now,
Red Phone has received numerous complaints about people talking on cell phone while driving. But as far as making a lot of money, the city is last in line for that money. First the state gets some, then the county and finally the city. Nevertheless, Red Phone believes police should be ticketing people when they see them. As soon as someone gets in an accident and the use of a cell phone is cited as the reason, then you'll hear an outcry.
Dispatch Staff
Send news items to City Editor Robert Airoldi. FAX to 842-2206, mail to Gilroy Dispatch, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020, or e-mail editor@garlic.com.
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