Sheriff’s officials warn of leaving kids in cars
Gilroy – With temperatures topping out at triple digits this week, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office remind everyone that children and pets should never be left alone in a hot car.
Every year, there are parents who make the unfortunate mistake of leaving children inside a car on a hot day while running a quick errand. The results are usually devastating, said Serg Palanov, sheriff spokesman.
According to the latest research from the National SAFE KIDS campaign, at least 25 children die each year after being left in a hot car. On a warm day, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can quickly rise to as high as 140 degrees, leading to heat stroke and death in young kids. Rolling down a window or parking in the shade doesn’t guarantee protection either, since temperatures can still climb into the danger zone.
Running the air conditioner while away is no guarantee that the car will stay cool. Air conditioner units have been known to overheat car engines and fail in the summer months. Warm air is then blown into the car, compounding the heat. At the same time, leaving a running car with a small child inside is a disaster in itself waiting to happen.
Even if you are going into a store for a couple of minutes, please do not leave children, or pets, unattended in a hot car, Palanov said.
Six injured in accident
Gilroy – Six people were transported to Saint Louise hospital after a two-car accident at Mantelli Drive and Santa Teresa Boulevard.
About 6pm Thursday, a minivan traveling southbound on Santa Teresa Boulevard carrying five people was struck by a black Sport Utility Vehicle that made a left turn in front of the van against a red light, police said.
All six were treated for their injuries and released.
Agents raid rural reefer garden
Aromas – United Narcotic Enforcement Team agents raided three marijuana gardens in northern Aromas Friday morning seizing and destroying $250,000 worth of marijuana during the first large-scale drug bust of the year.
Agents found and destroyed 10,434 plants growing in the three rural gardens, according to UNET Comdr. Mark Colla. The plants were between four and six feet tall and could have “easily” produced two to three pounds of high-grade sinsemilla marijuana each, Colla said. Wholesale, the pot would have a value of $250,000, but could fetch much higher prices on the street, Colla said.
When more than 20 officers from the different agencies raided the three gardens they found a small campsite, a dismantled pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Evidence found at the camp site indicated that three or four gardeners had been living there and caring for the plants for several weeks, Colla said.
The three gardens were on private land, but Colla said property owners were not believed to be involved in the growing operation. The gardens, which featured an “sophisticated” irrigation system run by two gas generators, were likely the work of criminal squatters, he said.
Make August count
Gilroy – Gavilan College will offer three classes in a special online session beginning Monday, Aug. 7. The session is designed for students who want to jump ahead by gaining skills and earning transferable credits during the summer.
Three classes will be offered online only for this session: Web Page Authoring, BASIC Programming and C++ Programming.
To register call 846-3729 or stop by the Gilroy, Morgan Hill or Hollister sites. New students must submit an application before registering. Applications are available online at www.gavilan.edu. Fees are $26 per unit.
Last chance to see
‘The Music Man’
Gilroy – More than 80 young performers from the Gavilan College summer Theater Arts Repertory (STAR Program) will delight audiences with the classic musical “The Music Man,” the story of a footloose con man who sets out to take advantage of the citizens of a small, turn-of-the-century Iowa town, but who instead is captivated and morally transformed by the townsfolk.
The final performance is tonight at 7:30pm at Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.
Details: www.ticketguys.com or 846-4973.
Volunteers needed for youth commission
Gilroy – The Gilroy Youth Commission is looking for volunteers to serve on it’s 11-member board. Any teens, between the ages of 13-19 who reside within the Gilroy Unified School District boundaries, are eligible to join.
Application deadline is Aug.14. Pick up applications at the City of Gilroy Community Services office, 7351 Rosanna Street.
Details: Gayle Glines at 846-0460.
Become a Junior Park Ranger
Gilroy – Become a Junior Park Ranger at Coyote Lake County Park Sunday, from 10am to noon. Kids age 8 to 13 can explore the outdoors and begin a fun journey towards earning a Junior Park Ranger patch. Meet at the ranger office at 10am sharp. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water and sun protection. Parental supervision required.
Details: 842-7800.
‘Totally Rockin’ is back
Gilroy – Return to Egypt as John Bisceglie presents his latest musical adventure. This sequel to “Totally Rockin’ Temple of Boom” will once again allow you to discover an elaborate Egyptian temple, built inside a 10,000-square-foot warehouse. Don’t miss this epic theater event featuring 50 local actors. Performances are Thursdays through Sundays, Aug. 3 to 20 at 7:30pm. All tickets $12. Bleacher seating available, and pillows and cushions are welcome. Performances held at Christopher Ranch, 305 Bloomfield Ave. Reservations recommended.
Details: 848-3630.
Send news items to City Editor Robert Airoldi. FAX to 842-2206, mail to Gilroy Dispatch, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020, or e-mail ed****@****ic.com
