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GILROY DISPATCH DISPATCH GILROY
MAY18, 11, 2018 2018 MAY
OPINION LETTERS
Supports Hirokawa
LETTER
Mosque project too big for San Martin
T
he Morgan Hill Times article dated April 26, 2018 (“Moque project to face public review by summer”) is one-sided. The quote from the mother of the bullied student, who admits that the problem had been resolved a year ago, just instilled more negativity and caused dystopia. Throughout history there is documented ill will. Concerning the Cordoba project (Mosque) in San Martin, not all who make threatening comments are from the “Muslims Go Home” side. I too have felt threatened by comments voiced to me. Was it because I am from San Martin? Was I singled out because I am a woman? Regardless, it was unacceptable, and caused angst. But I am tired of the fear mongering and accusations against the residents of San Martin, from people who don't have a clear understanding about this unincorporated village. People are so quick to judge, cast the first stone and accuse others of being anti-Muslim or xenophobic. However, there were no cries of racism, or anti-Baptist slurs when the county denied the application (for the same parcel) years prior to the Cordoba project application. The county denied it based on zoning. The county has since updated its zoning code, and there are many facts to be considered from all sides of the spectrum. The comment that "County planners have told the residents that the county cannot legally reject a project based on the religion of those who proposed it" is very condescending and offensive. San Martin residents are not ignorant, and have stood firm on the fact that “Size Matters” in San Martin. The following are just a few serious concerns related to the Cordoba project: 1. This project defies the Santa Clara County San Martin Integrated Design Plan (SMIDP);
2. It is in very close proximity to Llagas Creek; 3. There have been years of poor percolation testing, and the parcel floods southwest to Harding Avenue; 4. The existing curve of Monterey Road, may necessitate the need for turning lanes and possible traffic signals; 5. San Martin does not have the community resources that a city has—most residents are entirely dependent upon private wells for potable water (drinking and bathing), and according to the World Health Organization guidelines, entirely too close for a proposed cemetery; 6. There would be excessive lighting at night, which would affect wildlife. There was a reason the county established the SMIDP for San Martin. Yet our voices to protect this unique rural community have fallen on deaf ears. Thanks to San Martin Neighborhood Alliance, there is finally dialogue with the county and San Martin has gained some respect. A South County traffic study is just underway, but will take a couple years to complete, so it is unknown how traffic will be impacted with a development of this magnitude. The article quotes plans "designed to accommodate up to'300 people at a time,” but claims there are presently 400 members of the South Valley Islamic Community who proposed the Cordoba project. In 2006-07, I had a discussion with county planning about the Cordoba Center application. I was told the application on file was for a 25,000-square-foot development, and it was denied because of the size. I believe Size Matters in San Martin. Illustrations of the proposed Cordoba project, although lovely, show a facility that is much larger than any existing religious institutions in San Martin.
Bryce Stoepfel
Dan Pulcrano
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Vote ‘No’ on Persky recall On the June 5 ballot, Santa Clara County voters will be asked whether or not to recall Judge Aaron Persky, the judge who sentenced former Stanford student Brock Turner for sexual assault. I urge all voters to vote NO to the recall and here is why. Let me be clear, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and similar offenses are wrong, illegal, and those who commit these offenses should be held accountable. The issue is whether Judge Persky acted in a way that deserves a recall. The sentence was lawful and followed the recommendation of the probation officer. Get the facts at norecall2018.org. Swanee Edwards Morgan Hill
San Martin
Managing Editor
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Kevin Jensen, Retired Sheriff’s Captain John Hirokawa for Sheriff
Connie Ludewig
Barry Holtzclaw editor@gilroydispatch.com
Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. None of these words appeared in this newspaper’s May 3 editorial. In their place, Laurie Smith is referenced fourteen times. No other phrase appears more often, not even close. Nowhere in the editorial did this newspaper mention John Hirokawa’s nearly four decades of distinguished law enforcement experience serving and protecting the people of South County. No mention was made of Hirokawa's universal support from law enforcement groups, including the Deputy Sheriff ’s Association of Santa Clara County, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, Gilroy Police Officers’ Association, and over 80 career law enforcement individuals and organizations. That should tell you everything you need to know when this newspaper mentions John Hirokawa’s readiness. This newspaper just can’t see the safety of South County residents for all it’s Laurie Smith’s. Fortunately, South County voters read past this propaganda. In the 2014 election, I was honored to receive the support of a majority of South County voters despite similar efforts to distort the truth. The truth is that Smith has fought reforms every step of the way. As of April 2018, she paid an out-of-state consultant nearly $75,000 of taxpayer funds for a biased report that undermined independent oversight of the county jails. I ask South County to join the chorus of law enforcement and community members supporting John Hirokawa for a safer Santa Clara County. This group includes myself, retired Sheriff Bob Winter,and retired Judge Ladoris Cordell. Cordell advocated for a change in leadership alongside the Blue Ribbon Commission in response to the 2015 murder of a mentally disabled inmate. Vote for John Hirokawa for Sheriff to restore honesty, integrity, and transparency to our county’s top law enforcement job.
Chuck Gibbs Circulation Department circulation@newsvmedia.com
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