Who appointed Bracco?
Who appointed Bracco?
“In the paper that said Mr. Bracco is now in the board of directors for Bonfante. Who elected him, who appointed him, why did he replace Pinheiro and did Pinheiro have anything to say about Bracco going on the board of directors? Who made the decision and why?”
Red Phone:
Caller, Dion Bracco has not been formally appointed but is expected to get the official seal of approval at a future council meeting. At Mayor Al Pinheiro’s request, council members agreed informally to appoint Bracco to serve on the park’s board of directors.
“The reason number one for Dion is he’s kind of what I would call the new kid on the block,” Pinheiro said. “He’s a new member of council and I felt it would be good exposure for him to sit on the board.” Pinheiro added that Bracco’s schedule also seemed to fit best with the board, which meets in the afternoons.
fire fighting resources
“On Wednesday, the 25 it was a red flag day due to the low humidity and the high winds. However as I pass Las Animas park I saw five fire engines all sitting there as I return 45 minutes later they were all making a b-line to a call apparently.
My question is, why were they all sitting in one place on such a hazardous day, they should have been spread out around the town. Also what is the total number of fire engines that Gilroy has?”
Red Phone:
Contacted Gilroy Fire Chief Foster about your inquiries.
“We were doing training, we were using that facility to do department-wide training,” Foster said. “It was important that they all were there at the same time to get the training, they were all on radio watch so if an emergency was called in they could go out.”
All firefighters are made very aware when it is a red flag situation Foster said, they are very in tune with what’s going on, not just the Gilroy fire department, but all the fire departments know that there is the possibility for a wildfire to spread.
During red flag days many departments put more resources on, in order to be able to call in staff.
“We have to balance the risk with the cost.” Foster said. “Our folks are very aware of when those situations present themselves to be ready to respond.”
There are two permanently-staffed engines with four people on each; one at Chestnut and one at Las Animas Station. During wildland season – generally May to November – Chestnut puts two people on brush patrol, and two on the engine and both respond to all calls together. Las Animas is divided to two on the engine and two on a bigger brush patrol unit.
“There are always two, but how many apparatus changes depending on type of season, if people look in the doors and windows (at the stations) they will see a ladder truck, which is for that particular situation,” Foster said. “People need to know, if they see other equipment, it could be reserve or backup, our firemen are on call 24/7, there are never any lapses when someone isn’t on duty.”
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