Monthly Archives: December 2016
Battle against PG&E Substation Grows
Santa Clara County is right to take a closer look at PG&E’s controversial plan for a new South County substation, according to the lawyer brought in to fight the utility giant.
Gilroy’s Coolest Santa and Mrs. Claus
PARENTAL ADVISORY: Don’t let the kids read this story!
Steven Burt Malech May 4, 1931 – December 10, 2016
The celebration of his life will be held on January 22 at 2 PM at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church.
Manuela Esparza Castillo June 1, 1928 to December 17, 2016
Manuela Castillo, born June 1, 1928 in Brawley, California to Rosalio and Paula Perez. He peacefully passed away December 17 surrounded by her only surviving child Jenny De La Cueva and her family.
Anthony Joseph Escover Jr. January 26 1933 – December 08, 2016
On December 8th, Anthony J. Escover passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. A California native, Anthony was not only a successful Engineer, but also an accomplished farmer. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory and received a mechanical engineering degree from Santa Clara University.
Richard E. “Dick” Killer August 05, 1934 – December 16, 2016
Richard Ernest Killer passed away Friday December 16, 2016 at home with family. Born in Connecticut he attended the Coast Guard Academy for one year and joined USAF where he trained to be a pilot. He flew B47s and super sonic B58s. He was based at Little Rock AFB where he met Carol, his wife of 51 years. He left the Air Force and went to work for Pan American Airlines as a flight engineer. When Pan Am went out of business he went to work for United Airlines and was a check engineer for both airlines.
Mary Ardell Britt
Mary Ardell Britt passed away in Gilroy, Ca. on December 1, 2016. She was born in Akron, Ohio on March 30, 1931. Mary married the late Richard Dick Britt in January 1951. Together, they had four children before moving to Hollister in June 1962. Dick and Mary added two more to the clan and quickly and happily became part of the Hollister community. In her younger years, she was involved in the Hollister Womens Bowling League, Sacred Heart Mothers Club, and YLI. Later, Bingo, playing cards, watching the television show Joyce Meyer and reading the Bible were her favorite hobbies. She led our family by example. She SHOWED us how to be a good child, sibling, spouse, parent, grandparent, great grandparent, aunt and friend. She was simply a good person. Nothing was more important than family truly! She dedicated her life to her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a stay-at-home mom and because of that, we were all better off. She tried to never miss a school or sporting event, party or family fun. She was never too busy for friends or family. At one time, she had three grandchildren playing little league at the same time on three different fields. She rotated from fence to fence in order to see it all. Showing up at a football game in her wheelchair became a weekly event. No one was left out and her selflessness was beyond compare. Thinking of her funny sense of humor plus the fact that she could tell a great story continues to put a chuckle in our hearts. Knowing that she is home with her Lord, Jesus Christ, gives us all peace. Special thanks to Ruth Bermudes Stephens for the selfless dedication, love and the companionship she gave to our mom. Mary is predeceased by her husband Dick Britt; daughters Barbara Diaz and Rhonda Anderson (Hollister), sister Beverly Ackerman (Ohio), brothers Harold Rogers (Ohio), Donald Rogers (Georgia) and her parents Harry and Thelma Rogers (Ohio). Mary is survived by her children Lee Anne Britt, Roger (Julie) Britt, Jane (Ed) Schmidt, Matt Britt and two brothers Harry Zeke Rogers (Hollister) and Leo Rogers(Georgia). Marys grandchildren include: Briant Anderson, Candace Crain, Michael Britt, Matthew Arballo, Mark Harbaugh, Daniel Britt, Tyler Britt, Bradley Britt, Amber Botelho, Damien Diaz, Joshua Diaz, David Diaz and Eddie Schmidt plus 11 special great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Elmer D. “Reggie” Denner October 20, 1933 – December 17, 2016
Elmer David Reggie Denner, 83, of Hollister, California passed away on December 17, 2016 in his home with his family at his side. Services are pending. Reggie was born in Exmouth, England to Katherine (ne Frye) and William Denner on October 20, 1933. His father was killed at sea during WW II. His young widowed mother, three siblings, Mollie, John, Vivian and stepfather Charles Surgey immigrated to California to start a new life in Santa Cruz. He attended Boulder Creek High School entering the United States Marine Corps shortly after, serving in Korea in the early fifties. He became a successful journeyman plumber for 36 years in Santa Clara County installing exotic prototype plumbing in seminal Silicon Valley semi conductor industries. He has four children, David, Mary Ann, Charles and Cindy; has grandchildren; Melody, Jennifer, Lee Ann, Destiny, Douglas, and Matthew, and many great grandchildren. He married his devoted wife, Pamela, in 1987. He will be remembered for embracing so many lives with his open arms and joy in life, affecting many. He is preceded in death by his sister Molly Massmasman and brother John Denner. Memorial donations may be made to the Hollister Veterans Memorial and Jovenes de Ano.
Gilroy Police Arrest Barricaded Suspected Burglar
Gilroy Police arrested a suspected burglar who barricaded himself in a house and then jumped out a second-floor window to escape.On 12/10/2016, at about 3:40 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of a burglary that just occurred on the 8900 block of Del Rio Circle. While an officer was on scene investigating the crime, a suspect ran from the backyard and climbed over a fence. Officers chased him on foot and a perimeter was established.  Officers learned he had broken into an occupied house on Ronan Avenue and was hiding upstairs. The residents were able to get out and notify the police. Officers entered the residence and could hear the suspect upstairs. He attempted to jump out of the second story window but decided not to when confronted by police outside the home. The suspect refused to come downstairs and he started barricading himself in a room. As police tried to negotiate with the suspect, he decided make his escape and jumped out of the second story bathroom window into the backyard. The officers that were positioned in the backyard ordered him to the ground and he did not comply. He violently resisted arrest and was eventually taken into custody. An officer was injured during the arrest and was treated at a local area hospital and released.  During the investigation it was determined the suspect had committed a total of five residential burglaries in the same neighborhood. The suspect was linked to the burglaries by several independent sources and evidence. A handgun, which was stolen from one of the burglaries, was also recovered near the scene. A large amount of stolen property was recovered and investigators are actively working with victims in an attempt to identify and return their property. The arrestee was identified as Tyre Anderson, an 18-year-old Gilroy resident. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on several charges to include five counts of burglary.Â
Technology brings increased efficiency to Gilroy City Hall
The City of Gilroy has announced the introduction of new software by Accela that makes it easier for staff to prepare staff reports and agendas for the City Council and Planning Commission. The switch, which went live for the November 21st city council meeting, according to a press release, makes the process more efficient, less-time consuming and near paperless. Staff training on the new software package began in October and the result is a process that automates the entire staff report preparation, circulation and approval process for better workflow and productivity. The system then creates the agenda and meeting packet - completely eliminating paper. "What used to take 4-5 hours to accomplish with a manual paper process now takes 10 minutes to complete - with just a click of a button we have a council packet ready for distribution," stated City Clerk, Shawna Freels.
