VTA approves partnership
San Jose
– The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Santa
Clara County have approved an agreement to develop a countywide
Lifeline Transportation program.
VTA approves partnership
San Jose – The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Santa Clara County have approved an agreement to develop a countywide Lifeline Transportation program.
The program, which will be funded through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, will identify and address transportation gaps that impact low-income communities throughout the county. Funding consideration will be given to those proposals that can demonstrate a need through documented assessments, such as a welfare-to-work transportation plan or a community-based transportation plan.
MTC will begin accepting proposals in March.
“The Lifeline program gives us the opportunity to find innovative new transportation solutions that will best serve low-income areas,” VTA’s Board of Directors Chair Cindy Chavez in a press release. “We’re working with the people who are struggling everyday to get to work and school and this community-based planning effort will allow their voices to be heard.”
Details: VTA at 321-2300, 321-2330 for hearing impaired, or visit www.vta.org
Feinstein says studies incomplete
Washington – U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is criticizing recent efforts by the U.S. Department of Defense to evade a requirement to perform studies on the health impact of perchlorate.
“Despite the department’s claims, this critical work still remains incomplete,” Feinstein said in a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. “By shirking responsibility for performing thorough and exhaustive studies on the impact of perchlorate, the defense department is putting the health of thousands of Americans at risk.”
Perchlorate, a sodium known to interfere with thyroid activity, has been found in Morgan Hill and San Martin, and east of Gilroy. The Olin Corp., the company that polluted South County’s groundwater is working on a plan to clean it.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will operate on a regular schedule Monday, Jan. 16, a federal holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Caltrain will also run on a normal weekday schedule.
Beall named chairman of board
San Jose – Santa Clara County Supervisor James T. Beall is the new chairman of the board of supervisors. Beall’s term will last one year, his last as a county representative. He will deliver his State of the County address Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006 at 6:30pm in the board chambers. Supervisor Don Gage is the 2006 vice-chairman.
Regular schedule for buses, trains
San Jose – The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will operate on a regular schedule Monday, Jan. 16, a federal holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
Caltrain will also run on a normal weekday schedule.
Backcountry Weekend
Morgan Hill – For one weekend, Henry W. Coe State Park will open the gate at Bells Station on Highway 152 to the east side of the park. Tickets for the event, scheduled for April 29 and 30, are by application only. Applications will be available Jan. 18 at www.coepark.org. The forms also will be available at Coe Park headquarters, and at the Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Modesto libraries. Written requests for applications (include a self-addressed stamped business envelope) should be addressed to Application Forms, Coe Backcountry Weekend, 1410 Terri Lynn Court, Gilroy, CA 95020.
The day-use fee for the event is $20 per vehicle, for either Saturday or Sunday. The fee for camping or backpacking Saturday night is $40 per vehicle. Backpacking fee Friday and Saturday nights is $50 per vehicle.
Applications must be postmarked between Feb. 1 and 28. In early March, applications will be drawn until the vehicle limit is reached.
Time to apply for grants
Gilroy – The Gilroy Asisstance League is accepting requests for the year 2006. Last year, GALS gave out more than $10,000 to various local children’s and youth causes. Grant requests should be a written letter requesting a specific amount of money and what the money will be used for. Remember grant funds are to be used for children and youth needs and programs. Requests must be received by Feb. 22. Grants are issued in May.
Mail your request to: Susan Jacobsen, 7477 Eigleberry St., Gilroy, CA 95020
Details: 842-8251.
Gavilan College Alumni Mixer
Gilroy – Former Gavilan and San Benito Junior colleges students and staff members are invited to attend an Alumni Mixer on Friday, Jan. 20 from 6 to 8pm in the adaptive physical education building at Gavilan College located at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.
Alumni will receive free admission to two basketball games taking place that evening. Women’s basketball will begin at 5:30pm, with the Gavilan Rams pitted against the College of San Mateo. Men’s basketball will begin at 7:30pm, they will play Hartnell College.
Details: 848-4724, e-mail al****@*****an.edu or visit www.gavilan.edu/alumni
Waterfowl paddle
Gilroy – Bring a kayak or canoe Saturday, Jan. 20, at 9am, for a peaceful morning paddle on the waters of Coyote Lake in search of winter waterfowl. Bring binoculars, a lifejacket, warm clothing and water. A snack will be provided. There is a $5 per vehicle park entrance fee, but the program is free. Meet at the Coyote Lake launch area, 10840 Coyote Lake Road.
Details: Chris Crockett at 842-7800.
