Congress approves money for Morgan Hill flood project
San Jose – A $30.5 billion spending bill approved by both chambers of the U.S. Congress includes $450,000 to prevent flooding in Morgan Hill. The funding, appropriated by U.S. Representative Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, is for preconstruction, engineering and design work on a $100-million project to prevent flooding in the Uvas and Llagas creeks. The project has languished for years because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has said the project’s cost does not outweigh the potential risk of flooding downtown Morgan Hill.
Pombo, however, has vowed to use his authority as chairman of the House Resources committee to get the funding. Pombo’s press secretary, Nicole Taylor Philbin, said this week that construction on the project may begin in 2007.
Water district offers tips to prepare for flooding
San Jose – The Santa Clara Valley Water District has kicked off a campaign – “We see water … so you don’t have to” offering tips for families to follow before, during and after storms to avoid floodwaters.
The campaign offers tips, ranging from preparing an emergency supply kit and family disaster plan, to driving slowly and with more distance behind other cars when roads are wet. The campaign directs residents to the district’s Web site, www.valleywater.org, or its public relations hotline, 408-265-2600, for a copy of a free FloodSAFE Guide. The guide – available in English, Spanish or Vietnamese – offers a wide range of information, including what to do before it rains, during a storm and after a flood.
Annual Elks Memorial Service
Gilroy – The Gilroy Elks Lodge #1567 will be holding their annual Elks Memorial Service in memory of their departed members Sunday Dec. 4, 2005 at 1pm.
The day is set apart for Elks members to gather and to cherish the memory of their departed members. To help them remain faithful to that promise, they hold this special service to honor their memory. They invite all Elks and the widows and family of their departed members to join them in this memorial service.
Following the service, Phil Robb and the Gilroy High School Chamber Singers will perform Christmas songs.
They also will be serving a luncheon buffet for $10 immediately following the service. The event takes place at the Elks Lodge, 2765 Hecker Pass Highway. Please RSVP to the Lodge by Friday Dec. 2, 2005.
Details: 842-9397.
Couple celebrates retirement
San Martin – Gene and Ruth Mecadon will be honored for their careers as owners and operators of 2 Genes Aviation at a farewell barbecue Friday. The Mecadons are retiring and leaving South County after 28 years at the South County Airport.
The barbecue, at the airport, on Murphy Avenue in San Martin, is free and open to the public. It begins at 6:30pm. For more information call 683-4102.
VTA taking comment on issues
San Jose – The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is taking public comment about accessibility issues at county bus stops. Each year, the agency sets aside money to bring bus stops in line with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
To provide information on South County stops that may need improvement, call 321-7050 or e-mail bu******@*ta.org.
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.
