Students aid successful effort to battle the sales of 'alcopops'
Dear Editor,
Local Morgan Hill and Gilroy students and residents participating in a statewide effort to reduce underage drinking celebrate the passage of AB346. This new law, from Assemblyman Jim Beall, requires clear labeling on flavored malt beverages, called "alcopops," drinks popular among underage drinkers because the sweet taste hides the bitter taste of alcohol) and product placement restrictions.
This law, paired with the action earlier this year from the Board of Equalization that increased the tax on these drinks, helps to reduce access and availability to underage drinkers.
Like many of the bills waiting for signature during the absurd budget debacle, its passage was uncertain, so youth advocates from Sobrato High School endured the heat at the Taste of Morgan Hill, educating adults and teens about the problems caused by these drinks and urging them to call the governor to express support for the bill.
These students worked for two years - a long time in their young lives - educating adult groups about the bill and obtaining endorsements from school boards and city councils.
These young leaders give us hope, looking forward to the time when they are the decision-makers: Courtney Berry, Brittanie Beggs, Juliana Henao, Hanna Jones, Sara Solorio, Stephanie Solorio, Justin Anguinao, Ariana Messina, Jasmine Lepik, Joey Edgar , Hallie Kiernan of Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill; Nancy Marquez, Berenice Lopez, Lizette Diaz and Tania Avila of El Portal Leadership Academy.
The efforts of this group would have not have been possible without the critical sponsorship of the South County Collaborative by Community Solutions and Rebekah Children's Services.
Seeing this beneficial change in the community, we are extremely grateful.
Dina Campeau, South County Collaborative
Valley Water District raises and rate increase way out of line
Dear Editor,
After reviewing the Santa Clara Valley Water District's Water Utility Enterprise Report for 2008, I was surprised to see that the cost for the South County-Coyote Valley Programs Requirements increased by 35 percent over the 2007-2008 budget. It appears that many of these programs have been backfilled to cover the annual repayment for the Central Valley Water Project cost of $14,933,733.58 along with increasing the salaries and benefits.
During my working career, I spent 36 years with Hewlett-Packard. In 1972, the economic conditions were poor. We were not selling enough products to support the total business operations. So, Mr. Hewlett asked all of the employees to take a 10 percent pay cut during that year, we all did and were able to keep our jobs while working through that tough time. Today, we are all going through a rough economic time period. Many people have lost their jobs and many have lost their homes. The water district appears to be oblivious to the tough economic conditions that we face today. They have the ability to tax the ratepayer at will to support their ever large state of employment. The Santa Clara Valley Water District needs to make a permanent 15 percent reduction in the work force now.
That would reduce the current employment by 120 and have an annual savings of $15.6 million. This does not mean eliminating job vacancies that have never been filled. This reduction is for people currently employed with the water district.
In a recent newspaper article, Chairman Kamei stated that she welcomes ideas people have to keep prices low. She also said that for the first time in a long time, the board is looking at cutting costs in one place the community won't mind, they're looking at eliminating top level positions.
About three years ago, I went before the board with a suggestion on reducing some management positions. The response from the chairman at that time was, thank you for your ideas, but we need ideas on how we can make money.
In a letter to the board members that is at the front of the 2008 report, by the current chief executive officer, as stated in her closing paragraph, "We also need to continue to maximize efficiencies in management of water, financial and human resources, in our quest to operate and maintain a sustainable Water Utility Enterprise for many decades ahead."
I agree 100 percent. Now is the time to bite the bullet and put a meaningful plan into action. Something that all ratepayers will see, starting with the 2008-2009 proposed budget.
Robert J. Cerruti, San Martin
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