WERC Chevy’s night
GILROY
– Chevy’s restaurant will host a fund raiser for the Wildlife
Education and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 8440
Murray Ave. Just go to Chevy’s for lunch or dinner, then place your
meal receipt in the designated box at the host’s stand. Chevy’s
will donate 20 percent of the receipts co
llected that day to WERC. It’s fast, easy and provides fund so
WERC can care for orphaned, sick and injured native wildlife and
help educate the public about wildlife and our environment.
Details: 779-9372.
Congestion relief
SAN JOSE – Ground was officially broken Wednesday for a project that will ease the troubled northbound Highway 85/Highway 101 interchange in Mountain View. The $142 million project is a joint effort by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the County of Santa Clara.
The project is designed to reduce traffic congestion as well as improve interchange access and safety. A similar improvement at the southern connection between the two freeways, in South San Jose, is also underway.
When completed in January 2006, the project will separate competing traffic movements by modifying interchange ramps, constructing a new freeway-to-freeway connector and adding special auxiliary lanes to provide additional room for motorists entering or exiting the freeway.
A direct connector between Route 85 and U.S. 101 for high-occupancy carpool vehicles (HOV) will be part of the finished project.
“This interchange has been at the top of the traffic congestion list for years,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss. “It’s about time that this North County location got the attention and tax dollars that we need and deserve.”
The project will cost $141.8 million, with $123.8 million in 1996 Measure B funding and $18 million from state and federal funding.
Goodwill CEO will retire
SAN JOSE – Goodwill of Santa Clara County President Hugh D. Barnett will retire from the non-profit organization, effective at the end of March of this year. A search for his replacement is underway. Barnett, 65, became President and CEO in 1994, six months after his hiring as executive vice president in charge of operation. During his tenure, Goodwill of Santa Clara County grew from eight to 15 thrift stores, extending outreach to four more areas of San Jose and to the underserved communities of Gilroy and Hollister. Under Barnett’s administration, agency revenues grew from $10.2 million in 1993 to $18.6 million in 2002.
Dual immersion information
GILROY – Las Animas is holding two information nights about its Dual Immersion Program at the school located at 8450 Wren Ave. The Spanish meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25 and the English meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26. A Duel Immersion parent night will be Wednesday, Feb. 26. All meetings will be held in Room 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Details: 842-6414
Cal grant workshop
GILROY – Many students and their families find it difficult to complete college applications without assist-ance. Assem-bly-member Simon Salinas, in coord-ination with the California Student Aid Com-mission, and various local universities and colleges have joined to sponsor workshops to provide help completing applications for the 2003-2004 academic year. March 3 is the deadline for high school seniors to submit completed federal financial aid forms nec-essary to apply for Cal Grant. A workshop will take place on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Gavilan College Student Center, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., 1 to 4 p.m. Details: (916) 319-2028.
Assistance League grants
GILROY – The Gilroy Assistance League is accepting grant requests for 2003. Last year, GALS gave out over $9,000 to various local youth causes, including Brownell Academy Music Department, Gilroy Community Youth Center, GHS Grad Night, and St. Joseph’s Family Center. Grant requests should be a written letter requesting a specific amount of money and what it will be used for. Mail requests to Paula Goldsmith, 8321 Peppergrass Court., Gilroy, CA 95020. Requests must be received by Feb. 24, or they will not be considered. Details: 847-1129.
In the event of war
MORGAN HILL – In the event that President Bush declares war on Iraq, there will be a candlelight vigil for peace from 5 to 7 p.m. at the flagpole between City Hall and the Library on Peak Avenue. If the declaration is made after 5 p.m., people will gather the following day from 5 to 7 p.m. at the same location. Details: Danielle at 776-9654.
NEWS ITEMS: Please fax local news items to City Editor Jodi Engle at 842-2206, e-mail to ed****@ga****.com or mail to 6400 Monterey St., Gilroy.
