Can you find me the Employment Development Department
– the EDD office
Missing EDD Office
“Can you find me the Employment Development Department – the EDD office. It used to be on Leavesley on the corner of Leavesley and Flonston Lane, however, the only directions on the door tell you to go to Murray and Tompkin, which is the Welfare Department so when you go into the Welfare Department you have to ask where the EDD is and they can’t tell you. But it’s somewhere by the old Wal-Mart building. If you go down and you take a picture where the old EDD, you’ll see the directions but the directions don’t take you anywhere, thank you.”
Red Phone
Caller, there’s good reason for your confusion. The area’s human services agencies have played a bit of musical chairs in the last two years.
The EDD moved early in 2005 from its former office (where the Welfare Department is now housed) to 7800 Arroyo Circle, Suite A. The EDD shares offices there with Gilroy One Stop, an umbrella agency that provides employment, disability, job training and youth services, among others. Though it may seem confusing, there was a practical reason for the move.
“We tried to put everything in one place, so people didn’t have to go from one place to another,” said Job Placement Specialist Ericka Roldan. “That’s why we call it One Stop – so people can get everything at once.”
You won’t be able to get welfare services at the One Stop center, but you already know where to get those: the Santa Clara County Social Services Department, 379 Tomkins Court. The agency consolidated its services there earlier this year from its former offices on Leavesley Road.
You can reach Social Services at 686-8700, the One Stop center at 846-1480, or the EDD directly at 846-1488.
More movie nights?
“I have been attending the Wednesday evening movies that the city has sponsored. I would like to know, and I’m sure many other people would like to know, because it was said it would be two weeks into September and it’s already the second week, why they missed Wednesday? I want to know if it’s going to continue for two more weeks into September and, will it continue next year because I think it would become quite a feature. Just wanted to know if it was going to continue, thanks.”
Red Phone
Good caller thanks for your inquiry. First, there was a movie night last Wednesday, the papers may not have had the chance to print the reminder, but be assured the organizers were there with fresh popcorn. Linda Ashford, a key individual for the organization and success of this event reassured that there will be two more movies on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20. She said the movies typically start at dusk, but with each passing week that leads us into fall that time comes a little earlier. So, generally movie time is 7:30, but be sure to head out about 15 minutes earlier next week and then a little earlier the week after that to make sure you are there in plenty of time to get some popcorn and a good spot.
Regarding your question about downtown movies night planned for next year, Linda’s response was a definite yes.
“Yes! It’s really been a great event. This is a real family event, which is nice and quiet and it’s just a blast to pass out popcorn, and at the end of the night you see the kids bundled up in there blankets and everyone has had a good time.”
Asford said it will be at the same venue next year, but it might be a little earlier in the year so it is a little warmer and it assures that children get to attend. Ashford also hinted at the idea of a movie festival next year similar to ones held in Morgan Hill and Park City. She said the idea has just begun to sprout, but it is hopeful it will grow into a new Gilroy family event that everyone can enjoy.
Don’t miss out on Downtown Movie Night next
Wednesday, Sept. 13, head out shortly before dusk with your blanket and lawn chair for some fun. Check out the city’s Web site for movie listings and information at www.downtowngilroy.com
