Dear Editor,

We are two Hollister residents who want to speak up for "Gilroy Gardens" the wonderful park that you have in your community.

We love it, and so do the thousands of people who come to see it every week. They enjoy its beauty, the entertainment of its rides, and the joy of sharing it as a families. It was truly a labor of love by it's founder, Michael Bonfante, and all those he recruited to assist in its creation. We want to say thank you to everyone involved.

First of all to God who created all these beautiful trees and flowers in the gardens. Next to its founder, Michael Bonfante, his wife Claudia, and everyone who helped him design and construct the gardens. And finally to its managers and operators, the city of Gilroy, its owner, all its employees and volunteers, and all the individuals and schools who come to it.

Pam and Bruce Eisenman, Hollister

GHS football coach and staff did a great job developing character

Dear Editor,

As a parent of one of Coach Rich Hammond's players, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to your leadership and your (tireless) dedicated staff.

Throughout this past season, I have been impressed in how you handle yourself, your players and the expectations that your team has.

Coach, you have touched the lives of my family. My son has the utmost respect for you. I know he'll be a better man for knowing you.

Joseph C. McMurray, Gilroy

'Tis the season to be thankful for a shift in attitude toward animals

Dear Editor,

Writing about cruelty to animals, as I often do, can be sobering. At this time of year, I like to reflect on positive actions for animals. Here are five things that I'll be giving thanks for this Thanksgiving:

1. More than 500 companies, including Almay, Revlon, Estee Lauder, Urban Decay, Kiss My Face, M.A.C. Cosmetics, and Method, now make cruelty-free cosmetics and/or household products.

2. Animal shelter staff and volunteers who tirelessly promote spaying and neutering and help to comfort homeless animals.

3. Interest in vegetarianism is skyrocketing; a Harris Interactive Service Bureau poll indicated that a whopping 11.9 million people are "definitely interested" in following a vegetarian diet in the future. Many restaurants, including popular chains like Johnny Rockets, PF Chang's, Ruby Tuesdays, and Burger King, now offer vegetarian options.

4. Teachers who incorporate humane education into their lesson plans, so that future generations will learn kindness, respect, and empathy for all beings.

5. And above all, for the man who rescued my dog from an abusive situation. Although I don't know who he is, I give thanks for him every day for saving her life - and enriching mine. There's still much work to be done though. My Thanksgiving wish is that more people will take steps to help others. For more ideas read Ingrid E. Newkirk's inspirational new book, One Can Make a Difference.

Heather Moore, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Norfolk, VA

Bailout bonanza, just look at all the pigs lining up at the trough

Dear Editor,

The minute Congress approved the $700 billion bailout, the pigs started lining up asking for money. General Motors after receiving $25 billion of the $700 billion decided they need another $200 billion. Our own governor asked for a modest $8 billion. Santa Clara County is considering asking for an undisclosed amount. Our San Jose mayor's is asking for $14 billion.

Vallejo is bankrupt at this time (amount unknown) per the census bureau there are 251 cities with populations over 100,000. There are 3,141 counties and 50 states. How many of them are in trouble is not known at this time. The taxpayers simply cannot bail them all out.

Keith C. De Filippis, San Jose

Columnist should remember that transparency is a two-way street

Dear Editor,

In September, I met with Mr. Ben Anderson to brief him about Gilroy Unified School District's capital projects in the spirit of transparency.

Mr. Anderson failed to transparently inform readers in his column "Editorial board strikes out" in October. While Measure P will provide $150 million for capital projects, GUSD plans to leverage additional funds from developer fees, joint-use options, and the state.

During our meeting, I was very clear that GUSD would raise additional capital funds to match Measure P to meet GUSD's capital needs. GUSD has demonstrated over the past 10 years an ability to raise capital funds beyond local bonds.

For instance, GUSD has leveraged close to $45,000,000 of matching funds for Christopher High School's Phase I. We intend to raise additional matching funds for CHS' Phase II when the time comes. Transparency works both ways. Mr. Anderson expects transparency from GUSD and we expect nothing less from him.

Enrique E Palacios, Deputy Superintendent

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