I have a complaint against Vineyard Cleaners, which was recommended to me, and which I will never set foot into again. I took in a three-piece, fully lined chiffon outfit for cleaning and a regular bed sheet for laundry service. They charged $15.50 for the three-piece outfit and had the gall to charge $21 for a bed sheet. They did not and do not inform anyone of their prices when you come into the store therefore you have no idea how you are being robbed until you pick up your cleaning. The $21 for laundering a bed sheet is, in my opinion, illegal, immoral and downright dishonest. I would never take another piece of cleaning to this establishment. Furthermore, when I complained they were not even apologetic. This is bad for people in Morgan Hill.
Red Phone: Red Phone tried numerous times to get an answer from the owners of the business about this transaction, but they refused to formally comment. We, too, agree with you, caller, that the pricing seems excessive, $15.50 for a three-piece suit and $21 for a bed sheet. Yikes, now that's expensive in this day and age when our wallets are hurting. One of the employees who spoke to Red Phone encouraged us to ask you to contact them to discuss the issue, which we did caller. We're happy to share with our readers the outcome of what resulted from the Red Phone's involvement in your case.
You told us that after you called them and spoke to the owner, he agreed to refund $16 of the $21 charge for laundering a bed sheet and that, upon meeting you in person and hearing your complaint, he refunded you the entire $21. We're disappointed, however, to learn that when you arrived to pick up your check, you were not well received. We thank the owner of the business for his consideration and for being willing to rectify an overcharge with a displeased customer.
Noise at el Rancho Grande
Who do I contact regarding noise ordinances? We live on Hill Road and Main Avenue and every weekend we have to listen to music and announcements, I believe coming from the rodeo. That's a pretty long way away and yet we can still hear it clearly in our backyard. So when we want to enjoy the outside, we have to listen to Spanish music and mariachi bands. I'd like to know if there's an ordinance because they must be playing too loud. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Red Phone: Caller, the noise you're hearing is coming from El Rancho Grande, the privately owned arena on Condit Road where our Mexican brothers and sisters go to enjoy "jaripeos" or plain bull riding events. The arena has come under fire in the past for its parking and public safety issues. According to Santa Clara County planner Mark Connolly, his department is aware of noise impacts related to the ranch's activities. The ranch is operating under a use permit, with conditions of approval that require annual noise studies and a status report to the Santa Clara County Planning Commission. Connolly said county staff expects a noise study to be submitted to the County Planning Office in early November and a status report hearing before the commission in early December. Connolly said the use must operate within the parameters of the county noise ordinance. The intent of the annual studies and reporting are to ensure compliance, Connolly added. If any member of the public is interested, the county has an extensive file on record for review. Connolly also said you're welcome to complain by calling the County Planning Department at (408)299-5786, or e-mailing Connolly at mark.connolly@pln.sccgov.org.
Publishing names in the blotter
Well, I would like to say that over a year ago I asked why the paper posted the names of people who have been arrested (not convicted) and you responded by saying I had my head in the sand. I was not suggesting not informing the public of police activity but merely asking why post the individual names. Unfortunately, one man's life has been significantly altered by your actions. Shame on you for taking the low road and saying it is the newspaper's policy (which can easily be changed). I have read many other newspapers where the policy is to omit the name and just report the incident. I feel sorry for this young man and his family. He has had to defend and explain himself because of your "policy."
Red Phone: The reader is correct: Our policy is to report arrests - whether it's for driving under the influence, burglary, child molestation or graffiti. We do not, generally speaking, report the names of juveniles who are arrested. We understand it's not a perfect world, but on balance we believe that disseminating information regarding criminal activity in a timely fashion - whether it's on our Web site at www.morganhilltimes.com or in the print edition - is a valuable and important service to our community.
Although the Morgan Hill Times does not have any obligation to monitor this board, the Morgan Hill Times reserves the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to the Morgan Hill Times in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. The Morgan Hill Times also reserves the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions. All threats to systems or site infrastructure shall be assumed genuine in nature and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Submission of any comments will be considered permission to use online or in print.
