and …

"I read the article about sidewalks and the mayor's comment about why he voted against it was because of the shaky economic times and the city's $4 million deficit. But I also noticed he voted from Japan where he was visiting our Sister City. I'd like to know if this costing the city anything, while he's talking about shaky economic times. Is he billing the city for any portion of his trip? And if so, why? Thank you."

and …

"Last week the Dispatch mentioned that Mayor Pinheiro made a call from Japan to cast his vote on the question on how the sidewalk repairs should be paid for. I would like to know if Mayor Pinheiro was in Japan on city business and did he pay for that trip? If you could answer that, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you."

Dear Wonderers,

Red Phone contacted Mayor Al Pinheiro, who is back from his visit to Takko-Machi. During Monday night's city council meeting, the mayor reported on his visit and reminded everyone that the trip was on his dime.

"The city paid absolutely nothing," he said. "This was to celebrate 20 years of sister city relationships."

The mayor reiterated how important it was that former Mayor Roberta Hughan began these relationships, and it's his duty and honor to continue those relationships.

"These are personal and we are trying to keep this going," he said. "We are making the world smaller.

So good callers, and Gilroy residents, the mayor is always available to answer your questions. Feel free to call him at 483-3886.

Economy stalls downtown project

"What is the deal with the building on Lewis Street? It came to stop with the partial building of new homes. What an ugly site. Are they ever going to finish?

Dear Will it Get Finished,

Red Phone contacted Planning Division Manager Bill Faus, who said this is South County Housing's Cannery Project, which due to the housing crunch, has experienced some severe financing difficulties.

"The project has not been abandoned, however, has slowed down dramatically," he said. "As the market picks up and more financial options open up, the project will begin to roll. Remember that this was an old brownfield site (a dilapidated cannery) … so it still is a far improvement over that prior state."

So good caller, stay patient. Once our economy rebounds, the project should pick up. And once people start living downtown, we should see downtown come alive.

Importance is in the eye of the beholder

"I feel people have nothing better to do with their lives and think they can fix something that doesn't pertain to them, for instance the people selling fruit. If you don't like it, don't buy the fruit. Write about something important like traffic lights, necessary stop signs, parks, children riding bikes without helmets, something worth reading and doing something about. Just because YOU don't like it, all of a sudden it's important. Get real!"

Dear Venting,

Red Phone is here to respond to all questions. Whether or not Red Phone believes the issue is important, obviously the person who wrote felt it was important. And remember good caller, what may be important to you, say more parks for the children, may not be important to someone with no children. And just like beauty, importance and relevance is in the eye of the beholder.