Bill to fights pests, disease passed
Washington – The U.S. Senate has passed an appropriations bill including $37 million to help California farmers fight pests and disease. The bill contains $26.4 million to fight the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a pest deadly to vineyards.
California grape growers already tax themselves to fight the malady, Pierce’s disease, carried by the sharpshooter. The bill also provides $3 million to eradicate sudden oak death Syndrome and $100,000 to battle West Nile virus.
GUSD taking applications for board seat
Gilroy – The Gilroy Unified School District board will make a provisional appointment to fill the seat vacated by the late TJ Owens. The appointee will serve until December 2006, when Owens’ term was set to expire.
Owens died on Oct. 17 after suffering a massive stroke.
The GUSD board invites any eligible person who would like to be considered to submit an application. Applicants must be registered voters and must reside within the GUSD. GUSD employees will not be considered.
The GUSD board sets the policies that guide the district. Board members meet for open session meetings the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30pm in the GUSD board room. Regular meetings are preceded by 6pm closed session meetings.
Additional special meetings and study sessions are also scheduled throughout the year. Locals interested in applying for the vacancy should submit a letter detailing their qualifications and why they’re interested in serving on the board.
Candidates must list a minimum of three references and include a resume in the application package. The application deadline is Nov. 22 at 5pm.
Submit applications to Superintendent Edwin Diaz, 7810 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy, 95020 or fax to 847-4717.
A select number of applicants will be interviewed during open session at an upcoming board meeting. The board anticipates that an appointment will be made in December.
Details: Diaz at 848-7112.
City’s disaster preparedness workshops
Gilroy – Gilroy will be offering two workshops on disaster preparedness Wednesday from 6 to 8pm.
Discussion will include information on which disasters are most likely to affect the area and what they can do to deal with problems after a disaster occurs. The program will include the viewing of a new video entitled, “Condition Red: Prepare for Disaster.” The video is a wake-up call for families and individuals who have no plan for how they will deal with a disaster in their immediate surroundings. The workshops will also teach the public how to put together a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit.
Details: 846-0460.
Festival of Trees benefits nonprofit
Gilroy – Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park is known for its world famous Circus Trees, but on Friday, Dec. 2, the non-profit theme park boasts about a different kind of tree – Christmas trees and the spirit of giving. Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park will host the 3rd annual Festival of Trees Premier Dinner and Live Auction benefiting Rebekah Children’s Services.
The $75 per person auction dinner runs 6 to 10:30pm and includes a traditional holiday dinner buffet with savory side dishes and desserts served inside the park’s majestic Snowflake Palace. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably for an outdoor winter evening that also includes an exclusive stroll through the park’s Holiday Lights display. There will be no rides in operation during this event.
Details: www.rcskids.org or call 846-2142.
Participate in Gilroy’s holiday parade
Gilroy – The Gilroy Downtown Business Association today announced that it is accepting entries for this year’s Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3 and invites interested individuals and groups to participate.
This year’s parade theme is “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and will start at Eighth and Monterey streets and end at First and Monterey streets. The parade committee is looking for floats, vintage cars, performers and others interested in participating. Check-in is 4pm; parade starts at 5pm.
Details: Dawn Guillen at 848-2573.
24-hour access to city information
Gilroy – Residents can now call the “Information Express,” a 24-hour telephone access system that connects callers to general city information.
The system allows callers to access information on subjects from building and construction to utilities.
A ‘fax on demand’ feature also allows residents to be faxed forms such as building permits and water and sewer rates.
Brochures which explains the system and codes are available at the Gilroy City Hall, Library and Museum.
To access the touch-tone system call 846-9588.
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.
