Agenda Item # 11.1 - Eric Cheatham | Received 11/21/2022 From:
To: CMCe
Subject: IX ERNNL-Pleau approve be keeping in Gilroy
Date: Saturday, November 19,2022 822:19 PM
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Hello,
I understand that a vote is to take place on the decision of whether or not to allow beekeeping
in the city limits. I also understand that the staff who are preparing the report are going to
recommend a no vote, using the following logic:
"The allowance of beekeeping will likely trigger a call for the allowance of
other agriculture operations within developed areas, such as chickens, pigs,
or others. Once one type of agricultural operation is allowed, anyone with
interest in expanding the list of permitted types may also come before
Council requesting similar concessions, citing that if one is allowed, theirs
must be too."
I strongly disagree with this position, and think that beekeeping should be allowed. First of
all, their logic is flawed, as the city ordinances already allow small animals such as rabbits and
chickens inside city limits, within a reasonable number.
Second, almost every other city in the bay area has approved beekeeping. It is strange that all
other cities would allow this, but Gilroy, with such strong roots in agriculture,would suddenly
turn its back on its heritage. It seems there might be a certain faction of people within Gilroy
who want to use their connections and power to try to change the underlying character of this
charming agricultural based city. Yes, the city needs to grow, but we also need to keep in
touch with our roots.
Finally, with the issues of honeybee die-off, it seems that encouraging new beekeeping would
help to make sure that these bees don't become endangered. We have already had 3 species of
bee go on the endangered list recently. Let's try to help the situation.
Again, I feel very strongly that the vote should be yes to allow beekeeping inside city limits.
Eric Cheatham