- "I'm calling about mail service in Gilroy. We live on a cul-de-sac and we constantly have problems with the carrier not delivering our mail. I called the postmaster to complain, she was on vacation, but I talked to somebody else and they said that my development along with many developments in Gilroy, has drive-thru service and if any car is parked in front of my mailbox, even though it's on the curb and perfectly legal to park there, they do not have to get out of their car and deliver my mail ... I was just really shocked. This isn't something that happens once and a while, it happens on a regular basis. ... Maybe it's a problem for lots of people in Gilroy."

To get the scoop, the Red Phone contacted Postmaster Penny Yates and received a lesson in Postal History 101.

Yates said that in 1972, the post office determined that centralized delivery was most efficient. Since then, developers have been encouraged to use cluster boxes, but Yates said many developers claim the boxes are too unattractive for their housing developments and choose mounted delivery (curbside mailboxes) instead. The consequence for the future homeowner is that if the mailbox is blocked, the driver is not required to get out and deliver the mail. Yates added that postal regulations say that a driver must be able to deliver mail without going into reverse, as doing such could pose a hazard.

For consistent delivery, Yates said a two-hour delivery window is given, with a 45-minute window before and after, for residents to keep their mailbox areas clear. Yates said, "Some carriers skip their lunch breaks and do deliver mail when the mailbox is blocked. But carriers should go by the book" and aren't encouraged to do such. "If a carrier had to get out of the vehicle, put the parking break on, lock the doors ... it would just take too much time." Yates said drivers are allotted 64 seconds to get from box to box for an standard eight-hour day. "They're clocked to the max," she said. "We're caught between a rock and a hard place."

Yates said neighbors can go in on centralized mailboxes, if all neighbors are in agreement. A cluster box with eight units goes for about $1,200, according to Yates, and the post office determines where it will go within the neighborhood. If neighbors are in agreement, Yates said, "I generally will pay for the cementing costs."

If people miss their mail delivery, call the post office at 842-1354 and ask for a supervisor. Contact the post office if you are interested in cluster boxes.

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Red Phone ridicule: This caller didn't expect to see this one in the paper today.

- "I'm calling to complain about the Red Phone, but you probably won't print this. I just read the article in Saturday's paper about the person who was being irritated by the people on the cell phone's and I know that good manners are gone now days, but I don't think the Red Phone has any manners either. You had to give a snide remark about dirty looks being given at the library, would hate to meet you in a dark alley. Well you know it's too bad people don't have manners now days and use their cell phones. Believe it or not people do study at the library. ... I think if people want a community center they should go to the parks or the community center and let the people who want to enjoy the library where it's quiet, have a chance to do that. And I thought the Red Phone was a place where people could make a comment, not for you to be commenting on what people are talking about. Thanks."

Agreed, there's a time and place for cell phone use. But where have you been, caller? The Red Phone is notorious for commenting about what people are talking about - it's informational entertainment. Flip through some past issues, take a look and lighten up. The Red Phone is a place for people to call, comment and question. We will do our best to answer any questions; however, if you choose to call the Red Phone and we're having a good day, you are subject to a sarcastic comment or two. Now kind readers, show the Red Phone some love.

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