More support of permanent option for slain San Jose Safeway employee’s roadside memorial: Roadshow

Q: I would like to help contribute to a permanent memorial for Manny Huizar. When they create a fund for it, could you let us know the details? I’m sure I’m not the only reader you’re hearing from.

Betsy Gebhart, San Jose

A: You most certainly are not. I’ve continued to receive responses about roadside memorials, and, specifically, the one that had been set up to honor Manny Huizar, a young employee who was murdered when he tried to stop a late-night shoplifter who shot him in June, 2022 at the Safeway on Hamilton Avenue at Meridian.

The discussion started when someone wrote to ask when the roadside memorial created outside the store would be taken down, as some neighbors felt it was not being well-maintained and were tired of it. Others responded that a permanent memorial would be appropriate here, and said they would help pay for it.

Q: I reside in Mexico for six months of the year and have seen hundreds of roadside memorials, both temporary and permanent. They are truly beautiful, no NIMBYs, no objection from public officials. I, too, am willing to contribute to a memorial fund for Mr. Huizar.

Isabel Mota-Macia, Modesto (formerly San Jose)

A: And now we go to New Mexico…

Q: Here in New Mexico, memorials are part of the culture and protected by state law. It’s illegal to remove them. One type of memorial that is too common is a ghost bike which, in one way, reminds drivers to be aware of cyclists. It’s their road, too.

Richard Neill Dabney

A: And now, Argentina…

Q: We recently visited Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian side. We asked our guide to also take us to Puerto Iguazu. We drove past several small signs with a first name below a star. Our guide said each sign, on a slender pole on the sidewalk next to the curb, was the site where someone died. They were about 6 feet tall and the sign was no larger than 8″ by 10.” I was impressed that they have a simple, uniform and reverent way of honoring people lost in these public places.

Sandra Adams

A: Anyone else?

Q: This is in response to the letter about the condition of Chesbro between Calero and Blossom Hill Road. I also live in the area. Several months ago, Verizon dug up our streets to add cable, then dug them up and patched them a second time. Homeowners since 1965, we remember when our streets were regularly maintained.

Carolyn Thomas, San Jose

A: Repairs here are planned for summer, 2024. In the meantime, you’ll need to continue to dodge manhole covers and potholes.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.