Digest

Efficient toilets required in bill

Sacramento – The California State Legislature approved AB 2496, water conservation legislation authored by Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) that would set new water flush volume standards by making use of existing high-efficiency toilet technology. All new homes, schools, office buildings and other construction would be required to utilize high-efficiency toilets. The bill, sponsored by the California State Pipe Trades Council, now heads to the governor for his signature.  

“As California continues to grow, we need stronger water conservation measures in place,” said Assemblymember Laird in a written statement. “Upgrading flush volume standards and making use of existing toilet technologies will save billions of gallons of water and make California a national leader in water conservation. High-quality, high-efficiency models are already on the market, and this legislation will help make them the standard.”

The average Californian uses an estimated 70 to 80 gallons of water a day indoors, with toilets accounting for about one-third of water use – more than any other indoor source. The new standards are expected to save California 200 million gallons of water in the first year alone, enough water to fill 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools. By the tenth year, the state is expected to save more than eight billion gallons of water per year – more than the total amount of bottled water that Americans consumed in 2005. The new standards would be phased in beginning in 2009. 

Car wash helps softball team

Gilroy – Support the Gilroy Chaos Girl’s Fast Pitch Softball team get to the 2006 Fall Classic Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. They will be holding a car wash from 8am to 4pm Saturday at Jim’s Auto, 298 First St. The cost is $5 for small cars and $10 for trucks, vans and SUVs. Other donations are greatly appreciated.

Details: Bobbie Zamaripa at 710-4545 or www.gilroychaos.org

Republicans meets in Gilroy

Gilroy – The South Valley Republican Women Federated Club invites Republican men and women to join their next meeting Sept. 9 at Mama Mia’s restaurant at 1360 First St.

Please RSVP by Sept. 6 to Georgia Trefts Garfink at 408-857-8952.

Details: Elizabeth Sanford at 960-9200 or So************@**RW.org

Retired teachers meet

Gilroy – The Uvas Valley Chapter of CRTA will meet for their annual potluck luncheon Sept. 14 at noon at the Gilroy Methodist Church, 7600 Church Street.

Details: 778-1898

Give blood, save lives

Gilroy – A blood drive will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, from 1:30 to 6:30pm, at First Baptist Church Hall, 8455 Wren Ave.

Details: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.BeADonor.com.

Symphony kicks off season

Gilroy – The South Valley Symphony will kick off their 33rd season opening concert on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:30pm at the Gavilan College Theater.

Maestro Anthony Quartuccio has announced his intention of featuring local talented musicians appearing as soloists with the orchestra in this year’s series of concerts. The opening concert will feature Greg Chambers performing the Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra by Alexander Glazunov and Matt Thornton performing Weber’s Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra.

Gavilan golf tourney

Gilroy – Gavilan College baseball supporters are hosting an annual golf tournament on Friday, Oct. 14, at the Gilroy Golf Course. The tournament, which features a shotgun start format, begins at noon. The day is topped off with a barbecue dinner. A baseball game pitting alumni against current players is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Rams baseball field.

The golf tournament is open to community members as well as alumni, players and boosters. Former players especially are encouraged to register.

Details: Neal Andrade at 846-4916 or na******@*****er.net

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.