If you haven’t heard, read, or watched the feats of the fabulous 49ers, you have been on a different planet. Their victory Saturday night over perennial rival Green Bay in zero-degree weather didn’t stop the red-hot 49er defense.
This 49er team has reflected the spirit and dedication, will, sacrifice, and tenacity of the champions they are. They now have reached the semi-final round in the league championship and play for the title this coming weekend against the L.A. Rams. The winner goes to the Super Bowl.
Green Bay, with a population of a little more than 100,000, is smaller than Santa Clara. If Green Bay had won, every resident in of that town would have been on the streets in celebration.
Since Santa Clara is represented by Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who has been in a feud with the 49ers for years, don’t expect any public accolades or activities for the 49ers — now, or over the next few weeks.
It is sad that this one-woman war has wallowed in the weeds of worthlessness. Gillmor’s gripes are petty, and her attacks have proved meritless and frankly, boring. Her sad sack blogger bashes the 49ers like they were Nazi storm troopers attempting annihilation of Santa Clara. His and Gillmor’s attacks continue their childish attempt to portray council members as representatives of the 49ers are not only petty but also preposterous.
Mayor Gillmor should save her silly sneers, smirks and snubbery and do what she promised in taking care of Santa Clara. Instead, she hired a retired civil service attorney, whose bad legal decisions cost the City millions. She hired City Manager Deanna Santana, who has widened her wallet at taxpayer expense. Santana’s compensation (now closing in on $800,000) is outrageous and a blight on Santa Clara.
Santana made front-page news in the Mercury last week, printing what The Weekly has been reporting for years. She is now demanding her 5 percent raise since her contract is tied to bargaining Unit 9, which got a raise.
She seems to forget her promises when it comes to some of the other bargaining units. One of those represents 150 city employees who did not get a raise last year. They were told at the time they would get a raise this year. Guess what? Santana has now told them they will not get a raise this year either.
It is obvious Santa Clara has a “me first,” selfish, 21st century Simon Legree, city manager. What an excessive, outrageous demonstration of hypocrisy.
The 49ers have set an example of energy, ingenuity and integrity.
On the other hand, Gillmor’s picks have been a disaster. You have to ask: how much longer can the City of Santa Clara afford to linger in the loser’s column?
Why is Santana still employed?
