Representing the South Santa Clara Valley Tourism Partnership at the media reception were Jane Howard, executive director of the Gilroy Visitors Bureau and Chris Bryant, interim president and CEO of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. Incorporating the tagline "Gateway to the Central Coast" this partnership has been formed to bring additional visitors to south Santa Clara County. Approaching tourism from a regional perspective, the SSCVTP showcases numerous attractions in the area including the historic Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, Gilroy Gardens, local festivals, golf courses and the natural beauty of South County that can be enjoyed on a bike or a hike on one of the many trails.

The ability to attend events such as the San Francisco Media Reception is made possible by the Gilroy Visitors Bureau and Morgan Hill Chamber sharing the costs associated with attendance and participation. At this year's reception 880 promotional pieces were distributed in colorful bags depicting grapes and fruit grown in our region. Adding to the appeal of the handouts were garlic bulbs provided by Christopher Ranch.

Become a member of a city committee

The city of Gilroy is accepting applications for two vacancies on its Housing Advisory Committee. Vacancies to be filled are for a Gilroy renter and local building industry representative. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. May 21.

The Housing Advisory Committee is an advisory board tasked with reviewing housing policies and programs and making recommendations to city council on housing-related matters. Appointed members serve a two year term running through June 30, 2010. The committee meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month for two hours. Interested city renters and members of building industry are encouraged to apply. Applications are available at the city clerk's office and the planning division's public counter, 7351 Rosanna St. To have an application mailed or e-mailed, contact Jenny Knerr at 846-0291.

Applications are also available on the city's Web site at www.ci.gilroy.ca.us. All applications will be kept on file for up to one year in the event of a vacancy during the two-year term.

Key dates for June 3 election

The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters has announced several key dates for voters to remember in preparation for the June 3 primary election.

■ Monday - start of voting by mail and early voting. Early Voting is available at the Registrar of Voters' Office, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is open to all registered voters.

■ May 19 - last day to register or re-register to vote. Voters need to re-register only if they have changed their name or address, or they would like to change political party affiliations.

■ May 24 and May 31 through June 1 - weekend voting. Voters can cast their ballots at the Registrar of Voters' Office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1.

■ May 27 - last day to request a vote by mail ballot. Requests must be received by the Registrar's Office no later than 5 p.m. (postmarks are not accepted).

■ June 3 - election day. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vote by mail ballots must be received by the Registrar's Office no later than 8 p.m. election day (postmarks are not accepted).

Voter registration forms, vote by mail applications and other election information are available at the Registrar of Voters' Office, 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, and online at www.sccvote.org.

Contact the Registrar of Voters' Office at: 866 430-VOTE (8683)

Baha'is elect local governing body

The Baha'is of Gilroy elected their local governing body, known as a Local Spiritual Assembly, which administers the affairs of the Baha'i community in the place of a clergy.

Local Spiritual Assemblies, which are composed of nine members, are elected annually in every city or town where at least nine adult Baha'is reside. They provide pastoral care and oversee the spiritual education of children and teens, social and charitable activities, the observance of holy days, devotional services, study classes for adults, social events, marriage and funeral services and other activities.

­There are more than 1,000 spiritual assemblies in the United States and close to 12,000 worldwide.