Santa Gets OK to Fly
Gilroy
– California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer has
granted a 24-hour permit waiving all brand inspection and health
requirements for nine reindeer slated to visit California on the
evening of Dec. 24 and the in early morning hours of Dec. 25.
The permit application was filed this week by a rotund, jolly
man with a red face and a white beard. He signed his name to the
paperwork:
”
K. Kringle.
”
Santa Gets OK to Fly
Gilroy – California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer has granted a 24-hour permit waiving all brand inspection and health requirements for nine reindeer slated to visit California on the evening of Dec. 24 and the in early morning hours of Dec. 25.
The permit application was filed this week by a rotund, jolly man with a red face and a white beard. He signed his name to the paperwork: “K. Kringle.”
Brand inspection and health requirements-which help veterinarians prevent the spread of animal disease-mandate that all animals entering California be individually identified. The nine reindeer named on the permit are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph.
The permit was granted under two conditions: the nine reindeer may not co-mingle with other reindeer in the state of California, and the visiting reindeer may not be used for breeding purposes while in the state.
“We are pleased to grant the temporary waiver to Mr. Kringle,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “We wish him safe travels as he and his reindeer make deliveries to the good children of California.”
First horse in county dies from WNV
San Jose – The first horse to contract West Nile virus in Santa Clara County has died. The 20-year-old horse was euthanized after contracting the virus in late November in Alamaden Valley. Statewide, 455 horses came down with West Nile in 2005. Two hundred died.
“Santa Clara County has been very fortunate and has had a very low incidence compared to the rest of the state,” Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Kevin O’Day said.
Over the summer, four county residents contracted the disease, all in the Santa Teresa and Blossom Hill areas of San Jose. None died. In California, 921 people were afflicted. there were 18 deaths. In 2004, there were 828 cases and 27 deaths.
Fire district receives grant
San Jose – The South Santa Clara County Fire District will receive a grant for $101,700 from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters program.
“We depend on the performance of our community firefighters to protect us when we need them,” U.S. Representative Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, said. “These funds will help defray costs of installing a diesel exhaust removal system in specific fire houses that currently operate without one.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation’s firefighters and the services they deliver. For the 2005 program, Congress appropriated direct assistance to firefighters to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States.
Support for those with visual impairments
Gilroy – The Center for the Visually Impaired conducts classes to support people with vision problems. All program events are held at Wheeler Manor. Program times are as follows:
– Computer Course, Tuesday 12:30 to 2:30pm and Friday 9:30 to 11:30am
– Support Group, Friday 12:30 to 2:30pm
Details: 847-4331.
Free rides on New Year’s Eve
Gilroy – The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will continue its annual tradition of offering free rides on New Year’s Eve to help create a safe holiday for those out celebrating the new year.
Free service will be offered on all VTA buses, light rail lines and the Historic Trolley from 7pm Saturday, Dec. 31 to 4am Sunday, Jan. 1.
Service will also be extended on the VTA’s Express Bus line 180 to the Fremont bus station. On the light rail, the Alum Rock to Santa Teresa and Mountain View to WInchester Light Rail Lines will operate longer to provide a safe travel alternative.
Details: 321-2300, 321-2330 or 800-894-9908.
Holiday bird count
Gilroy – The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society is holding its annual South County holiday bird count Friday, Dec. 30. The count encompasses the area from the Santa Cruz Mountains in the west to the Diablo foothills in the east with valleys, reservoirs, riparian corridors and urban areas in between. Some areas of interest where help may be needed include Quicksilver County Park, Santa Teresa County Park, Coyote Creek riparian, Ogier Ponds, Coyote Valley, Almaden Lake and Edenvale Garden Park. The countdown dinner will be held at the New Almaden Community Center again this year.
Details: Ann Verdi at [email protected] or 266-5108 by Dec 27.
Host families needed
Gilroy – High school students from Gilroy’s sister city are looking for families willing to host the Japanese students for a seven-night stay in January.
The Takko High School students will arrive here on the evening of Jan. 5. The group, comprised of 12 students and four adults/teachers from Takko, Japan, will check out Gilroy’s schools and do some sight-seeing during their stay. They also plan to visit San Francisco State University.
Students will spend the majority of the time visiting schools and touring the Bay Area. But on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, the students will have time to spend with their host families.
Details: Sarah Bryson at [email protected].
Songs for a New World
Gilroy – The Odyssey Theatre Company of Gilroy High School Presents “Songs for a New World” on Jan. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8pm; Jan. 15 at 4pm; and Jan. 19 at 7:30pm at the Gilroy High School Theatre, 750 W. 10th St.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students/seniors.
Details: 333-9065 or [email protected].
Auditions for Narnia
Gilroy – The South Valley Civic Theatre is holding auditions for its young performers production of Narnia on Friday, Jan. 13 at 7pm and Saturday, Jan. 14 at 9am and 1pm.
School-aged children in grades two through eight may audition. The director is also looking to fill two adult roles – adult female, mezzo soprano, for the part of the White Witch and an adult male, tenor-baritone, for the part of Aslan (the lion).
Auditions will be held in the Gilroy High School choir room located directly across the walkway from the Gilroy High School theater’s main entrance.
Actors should arrive 30 minutes prior to audition to register and be prepared with a song and a copy of the sheet music (an accompanist will be provided). Performances will be held in March at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse.
Details: (831) 261-4838 or [email protected].
Adopt a furry friend
Morgan Hill – The Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) need your help to find loving families for the many homeless companion animals currently at the shelter and in foster homes. Please come to the FOSMAS pet fair on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8, from noon to 5pm, at Petco, Morgan Hill. Stop by to find a new furry friend; make a donation to help cover spay/neuter, food, and litter expenses; or sign-up to volunteer for the Shelter.
Details: 683-4186 or www.fosmas.org.
‘Shark’ teacher workshop
Monterey – The Monterey Bay Aquarium invites K-6 teachers to a special one-day workshop on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 8am to 4pm at the aquarium. Explore shark myths, mysteries and facts. Observe sharks in their exhibit habitats before the aquarium opens. Materials fee is $35; earn credit at California State University, Monterey Bay or Chapman University for an additional fee. Workshop limited to 35 participants. Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 30.
Details: 648-4834 or www.montereybayaquarium.org.
